27/08/2007

Aer Lingus Boycott Considered By Councillors

Councillors in Limerick are meeting on Monday to discuss a formal boycott of Aer Lingus because of its controversial decision to transfer its Shannon to Heathrow service to its new hub in Belfast.

The decision has sparked fears of jobs losses in Shannon as a result of the closure of the route.

Talks between Aer Lingus and pilots' union IALPA are have also resumed today at the Labour Relations Commission in Dublin.

Pilots had planned a two-day strike last week in a dispute over allegations that Aer Lingus staff in Belfast would be paid less than those in the Republic of Ireland.

The dispute centres on whether unions should have a say in negotiating the pay and conditions for pilots recruited for the airline's Belfast operation.

Later this week, the Aer Lingus board is due to meet to consider Ryanair's demand for an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to have the decision to close the Shannon-Heathrow route reversed.

(KMcA)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

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.
29 August 2007
Irish Ministers Discuss Aer Lingus Issue
Aer Lingus' controversial decision to close its Shannon-Heathrow route has reportedly been discussed by the Cabinet at its first meeting since the Dail resumed after the summer break.
08 August 2007
Jobs Fears For Shannon Following Aer Lingus Move To Belfast
There are fears that there could be a number of jobs losses in Shannon following Aer Lingus' decision to close its daily Shannon to Heathrow route in order to operate a new service from Belfast. On Tuesday, Aer Lingus told staff that 45 jobs could be lost at Shannon as a result of the move.