Aer Lingus cabin crews are expected to strike next month because of a row with management over revised working hours.
IMPACT trade union posted ballot papers to members of the cabin crew branch on Thursday and the ballot will close at 2.00pm on Monday, 9 August. In the event that the ballot is passed, a minimum of seven days notice would have to be served to Aer Lingus before industrial action could commence.
IMPACT official Christina Carney explained, “The company sought an increase up to 850 hours in flight time for cabin crew, which formed part of the agreement that was signed off in March this year (Greenfield cost saving plan). The details were to be finalised at the LRC. Cabin crew believes that the 850 hours flight target is achievable within the terms of existing agreements and the contracts of employment of cabin crew.
“We see no reason for the company to breach those contracts and agreements in order to achieve this. However, the airline has proceeded unilaterally to force changes to cabin crew workers’ terms and conditions of employment†she said.
Ms Carney added, “IMPACT has always committed to honour its side of agreements including the working of 850 block hours. However enough is enough and we are balloting now to commence a work to rule within contract and for withdrawal of flexibility†she said.
