Breakthrough in the Aer Lingus dispute

Date: 04/02/2011
Posted by: Darragh

I welcome this morning’s breakthrough in the Aer Lingus dispute which has ended disruption for passengers and secured an agreement on working conditions for cabin crew.

I set out my view very early in this dispute that the demands of Aer Lingus management were unreasonable and excessive.

I have met with and shared the concerns of cabin crew over the past few weeks about the demands being made of them and expressed my complete dismay that the company moved to take hundreds of workers off the payroll.

The dispute centred around new rosters which would have impacted severely on the quality of life of staff.

I want to commend both sides in this dispute for reaching an agreement but particularly the cabin crew who held their nerve in the face of a very determined Aer Lingus management.

It is also appropriate to acknowledge the work of the Labour Relations Commission in bringing about this agreement. I know there have been long hours and tough negotiating under the stewardship of the LRC but I think all involved recognise that it was worth it and that the industrial relations machinery we have in this country can resolve almost all disputes.