Aer Lingus has removed 180 cabin crew from its payroll and the airline is proceeding with disciplinary action that could lead to termination.
As part of its cost reduction program initiated in 2009 to ensure the future viability and cost competitiveness of the airline, cabin crew were required to achieve 850 flying hours per annum. Some 93% of cabin crew balloted in March 2010 agreed to the deal that was subsequently affirmed under legally binding arbitration by the Labour Relations Commission. The airline then developed rosters in line with international best practice to achieve the 850 flying hours per annum requirement as agreed. Despite this the union representing the cabin crew refused to engage with management in the development of these rosters and instead commenced a work-to-rule program in October 2010, says Aer Lingus. Last week union member subsequently refused to operate the revised rosters and the airline was forced to remove the employees from the payroll and start disciplinary proceedings.
Aer Lingus has stated that it will try to minimize passenger disruption caused by this non-cooperation by Impact union members but even so the airline will be forced to cancel some 10% of its flight schedule.