Aer Lingus job losses - Fighting for survival

EVEN though the announcement was expected it was another heavy blow to Ireland Inc when Aer Lingus yesterday announced they were to cut 676 jobs as part of a plan to cut costs by over €100 million.

The challenge facing the airline was underlined by the statement from the company that it reserved the right to cut jobs on a compulsory basis if agreement with unions cannot be reached. However, SIPTU said it could not see any basis for “further draconian measures” at the company.

So, the scene is set for the very stand-offs that have done so much to undermine the airline’s reputation with travellers. This will be counterproductive.

It might be pertinent too to ask if these jobs would have been lost if former taoiseach Bertie Ahern had not blocked Willie Walsh’s privatisation proposals some years ago or if the Ryanair bid to take over the airline had succeeded.