01/12/2009

Union Reports Progress In Aer Lingus Talks

The union representing Aer Lingus workers has reported "considerable progress" during talks between Aer Lingus management and union representatives.

Siptu, which has been negotiating on behalf of staff involved in ground operations over Aer Lingus's cost-cutting proposal, said the detailed proposals would be considered by members.

Early this morning, Aer Lingus urged all parties to redouble their efforts in one last attempt to reach agreement on the Transformation Plan programme.

The Programme, is hoped by the airline to reduce annual operating costs, excluding fuel, by €97 million before the end of 2011 and has been the subject of intense negotiation within the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).

Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller said: "I would like to thank and acknowledge the commitment and professionalism of the staff representatives throughout these talks. I would also like to recognise the continued high levels of customer service of our front line staff during this difficult period.

"We acknowledge that savings have been offered however it is critical that savings must be delivered in a full and meaningful way from 2010 and not deferred beyond the timeframe of the Plan. This has not been the case so far.

"We remain committed to the negotiation process today to ensure that agreement can be achieved to urgently deliver the required savings in full.

(DW/GK)


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