Menu
04/12/2007
Talks To Avert Christmas Strike At Aer Lingus Continue
Aer Lingus passengers, those hoping to fly to or from Dublin or from this month Belfast, could be in for a difficult Christmas.
The latest round of fruitless negotiations in the Aer Lingus dispute took place yesterday, with talks running late into last night in an effort to avert the threat of industrial action in the run-up to Christmas.
Despite the meetings taking place under the auspices of the National Implementation Body, which was expected to issue recommendations yesterday, it has not yet done so. However, even though an expected announcement by negotiators yesterday failed to materialise, this is being seen as a sign of progress in some quarters.
There is some hope of a settlement, as union sources say that as no proposals were put forward, this could be taken to indicate a sign of some progress in the talks.
The dispute centres on an Aer Lingus move to introduce allegedly inferior contracts for new employees as part of a €20m cost-cutting plan.
Last month, the parties at Aer Lingus management and the groups of trade unions at the company agreed with the National Implementation Body to a limited extension of the deadline on talks about rationalisation.
The National Implementation Body then held separate meetings with unions and management at the former State airline to clarify the position of both sides in the dispute over proposed cost-cutting measures.
The State's industrial relations trouble-shooter was originally expected to issue recommendations aimed at resolving the dispute no later than Monday – but as negotiations continue today, this hasn't yet happened.
Originally, the planned strike by staff at the airline was suspended late last month, pending the outcome of the NIB review process to deal with the row over the €20 million cost-saving plan.
The airline is scheduled to begin flying from Belfast to Amsterdam, Barcelona and Geneva this month and then in January to London Heathrow and later, in February to Malaga, Budapest, Rome and Faro.
(BMcC)
The latest round of fruitless negotiations in the Aer Lingus dispute took place yesterday, with talks running late into last night in an effort to avert the threat of industrial action in the run-up to Christmas.
Despite the meetings taking place under the auspices of the National Implementation Body, which was expected to issue recommendations yesterday, it has not yet done so. However, even though an expected announcement by negotiators yesterday failed to materialise, this is being seen as a sign of progress in some quarters.
There is some hope of a settlement, as union sources say that as no proposals were put forward, this could be taken to indicate a sign of some progress in the talks.
The dispute centres on an Aer Lingus move to introduce allegedly inferior contracts for new employees as part of a €20m cost-cutting plan.
Last month, the parties at Aer Lingus management and the groups of trade unions at the company agreed with the National Implementation Body to a limited extension of the deadline on talks about rationalisation.
The National Implementation Body then held separate meetings with unions and management at the former State airline to clarify the position of both sides in the dispute over proposed cost-cutting measures.
The State's industrial relations trouble-shooter was originally expected to issue recommendations aimed at resolving the dispute no later than Monday – but as negotiations continue today, this hasn't yet happened.
Originally, the planned strike by staff at the airline was suspended late last month, pending the outcome of the NIB review process to deal with the row over the €20 million cost-saving plan.
The airline is scheduled to begin flying from Belfast to Amsterdam, Barcelona and Geneva this month and then in January to London Heathrow and later, in February to Malaga, Budapest, Rome and Faro.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 June 2009
Ryanair Flies Low
The budget airline Ryanair - which flies from two bases in Northern Ireland - has revealed financial returns showing a major nosedive in operating profits. Ryanair plunged into the red by €169.2 million (£145.9m) in the year to March after being hit with a 59% hike in its fuel bill.
Ryanair Flies Low
The budget airline Ryanair - which flies from two bases in Northern Ireland - has revealed financial returns showing a major nosedive in operating profits. Ryanair plunged into the red by €169.2 million (£145.9m) in the year to March after being hit with a 59% hike in its fuel bill.
19 October 2007
Ryanair Hits Out As Aer Lingus Takes Flight
The latest news on the controversal Aer Lingus move to a Belfast operation - closing the Shannon-Heathrow route - is that its biggest rival (and ironically, its biggest shareholder), Ryanair is to provide three additional daily flights to London from Shannon Airport to ensure capacity and traffic does not fall as a result of the closure.
Ryanair Hits Out As Aer Lingus Takes Flight
The latest news on the controversal Aer Lingus move to a Belfast operation - closing the Shannon-Heathrow route - is that its biggest rival (and ironically, its biggest shareholder), Ryanair is to provide three additional daily flights to London from Shannon Airport to ensure capacity and traffic does not fall as a result of the closure.
14 August 2007
Aer Lingus Pilots Announce 48-Hour Strike
Around 500 Aer Lingus pilots have announced plans to hold a 48-hour strike next week, in protest over plans to pay staff at the company's new Belfast operation less than those in the Irish Republic. The strike is due to be held next Tuesday and Wednesday and is expected to affect all the air routes run by Aer Lingus.
Aer Lingus Pilots Announce 48-Hour Strike
Around 500 Aer Lingus pilots have announced plans to hold a 48-hour strike next week, in protest over plans to pay staff at the company's new Belfast operation less than those in the Irish Republic. The strike is due to be held next Tuesday and Wednesday and is expected to affect all the air routes run by Aer Lingus.
27 August 2010
Examiner Appointed To Aer Arann
The Dublin High Court has appointed an examiner for troubled airline, Aer Arann. The airline said it intends to operate normally during the period of examinership and intends to fly all Aer Arann services and all Aer Lingus Regional services operated under franchise agreement with Aer Lingus.
Examiner Appointed To Aer Arann
The Dublin High Court has appointed an examiner for troubled airline, Aer Arann. The airline said it intends to operate normally during the period of examinership and intends to fly all Aer Arann services and all Aer Lingus Regional services operated under franchise agreement with Aer Lingus.
08 October 2008
Belfast To Soar Above Aer Lingus Strike
Proposed strike action by staff at the former state-run Irish airline, Aer Lingus may not ground flights from the newly opened Belfast International Airport 'hub'. Aer Lingus has insisted that passengers flying on its services to and from Belfast would not be affected by proposed industrial action.
Belfast To Soar Above Aer Lingus Strike
Proposed strike action by staff at the former state-run Irish airline, Aer Lingus may not ground flights from the newly opened Belfast International Airport 'hub'. Aer Lingus has insisted that passengers flying on its services to and from Belfast would not be affected by proposed industrial action.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
