Aer Lingus meets staff on new rosters

MANAGEMENT AT Aer Lingus is expected to seek to provide clarification to about 1,800 ground operation personnel in the coming days on how controversial proposed new rosters would apply to staff.

The move follows the decisive rejection of a deal on new work practices by Siptu members at the airline which had been agreed by management and union negotiators in February.

The proposed deal, which involved greater mobility and flexibility on the part of staff, was rejected by a three-to-one majority on Monday.

In some sections of the airline, particularly in Shannon airport, Siptu members voted virtually 100 per cent against the deal.

As part of the new work practice proposals, which the company believed would save up to €10 million a year, staff would have been asked to work shifts of varying lengths.

Airline management would also have had the freedom to move personnel between duties, for example between check-in and boarding, during a shift. However, Siptu has maintained that that company's failure to produce workable rosters in line with the proposals had contributed significantly to the rejection of the deal by its members.

Aer Lingus yesterday held a series of meetings with staff to hear their views on the deal and why it has been rejected.

In a brief statement yesterday, the airline said: "Some issues have been raised around the shape of new work rosters.

"These concerns are being addressed in a series of meetings directly with staff which commenced this morning."

Siptu shop stewards in Aer Lingus are to meet tomorrow to review the situation in the light of the rejection of the cost-saving plan.

The union said it would also be in contact with the company to ascertain its position.

Meanwhile about 1,200 cabin crew at Aer Lingus are to receive outstanding pay increases which are due under the national agreement following a vote in favour of new work arrangements.