Letters to the Editor: Aer Lingus is using Covid-19 as an opportunity for restructuring
Aer Lingus has cut wages by 70% which is the highest wage cut ever seen in Ireland in the 21st century. On top of the wage cut Aer Lingus has imposed changes to work practices and terms and conditions, this includes lay-offs as well as a ban on industrial action including strikes to February 2022.
Aer Lingus has netted €7.48m so far from the HSE for cargo flights to China for PPE equipment. Aer Lingus recorded profits in 2019 of €276m, €305m in 2018 and reserves of €900 million. IAG, Aer Lingus's parent company also made profits of €3bn in 2019, none of which were shared amongst the staff. During this pandemic, the state is paying the majority of the airline's wage bill under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
