As key shareholder, Dempsey must oppose unacceptable treatment of Aer Lingus cabin crew
Issued : Tuesday 16 March, 2010
Labour Transport Spokesperson Tommy Broughan TD has described the current proposals by Aer Lingus management for the 1200 cabin crew as totally unacceptable.
Deputy Broughan said, ”Clearly there are grave difficulties facing Aer Lingus in the current economic climate and with the significant downturn in total passenger volumes.
“The industrial relations procedures at the company have been addressing Aer Lingus management’s €97 million per annum cost-cutting plan. However, the wholescale threat to sack all cabin crew and re-employ a reduced number on massively degraded terms and conditions after cabin crew voted against the proposal is an unacceptable and ominous development.
“This threat has questionable legal status. But it also is an appalling way for any company to treat a key component of its workforce. Aer Lingus staff and cabin crew have consistently worked with management to implement previous cost-cutting plans that have included pay cuts, job cuts, changed working conditions and greatly increased productivity.
“Aer Lingus cabin crew have rightly expressed strong fears that the current proposals will in effect completely destroy crewing as a profession. Aer Lingus faces a massive challenge. But this serious challenge will not be met by bludgeoning staff with blanket threats to sack all cabin crew.
“Aer Lingus is a critical national transport asset and the Labour Party is committed to at least a two major airline competitive aviation strategy. As a 25% shareholder in the company on behalf of the state, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey must also strongly oppose any attempts by management to implement this disgraceful race to the bottom in terms of wages and conditions at the airline.
“When Dáil Éireann resumes on Tuesday next, I will immediately raise the deplorable threat to Aer Lingus cabin crew with Taoiseach Cowen and Minister Dempsey. The Taoiseach and his government must ensure that the strongest efforts are made by the parties involved and the industrial relations machinery of the state, to resolve the matter for the sake of the workers concerned, the airline and the country.”
