Not another strike?
We’ve barely recovered from the effects of the Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus industrial action over the Bank Holiday weekend and already there could be another transport strike upon us.
According to today’s Irish Independent, Aer Lingus staff are threatening strike action over rosterning schedules which could have an impact on customers planning on using the airline over the summer.
The report in the Irish Independent claims that Aer Lingus staff are unhappy at the current rostering schedule for staff, which, it is claimed, leaves staff members fatigued and interferes with family life.
Aer Lingus staff are campaigning for a 5-3 (five days on, three days off) roster system, a system which Aer Lingus has previously claimed would result in increased costs, make some of its network unviable and put jobs at risk.
Cabin crew at the airline staged a one-day strike last year but postponed industrial action after Aer Lingus agreed to trial the 5-3 rostering system.
The position of the staff was weakened recently after the Labour Court supported the rostering system currently employed by Aer Lingus.
A ballot taken by Aer Lingus cabin crew – who are members of the trade union Impact – isn’t expected to be complete for another fortnight.
By law, at least two weeks’ notice has to be given before industrial action is undertaken, so any potential strike won’t happen for another month at least.
A spokesman for Aer Lingus told the Irish Independent that the airline is unaware of any impending industrial action and they do not foresee any impact on their existing schedule.
Best be warned just in case.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
