Aer Lingus Strike Threat Loom Large

More than 20,000 Aer Lingus passengers are expected to be affected by planned strike action later this month.

However, on Tuesday, it emerged that Aer Lingus is intending to meet with staff in an attempt to avert the planned industrial action.

SIPTU has already served strike notice on the Irish flag carrier over what it claims is the management's decision to unilaterally downgrade the working conditions of employees.

The union has claimed that the airline is forcing vulnerable temporary workers to sign contracts with less pay and longer hours or face the termination of their employment.

If it goews ahead, the strike action will consist of four-hour stoppages on November 20 and 23 at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.

The union is also seeking an all-out picket from ICTU.

The union's national industrial secretary Michael Halpenny said: "This latest attack on our members comes on the heels of a pay freeze imposed by management simply because our members have not agreed to allow management to cut their pay and conditions.

"Every breach of faith with the workforce, disregard for existing agreements and for the conflict resolution services of the state, is driven by the argument that, since Aer Lingus has been privatised, maximisation of profit for shareholders and managers takes complete precedence over any commitments to the workforce or concern for the customers."

(KMcA)