Aer Lingus management has been accused of "aping" the Ryanair company model. The accusation came as Aer Lingus catering workers prepare for action against possible outsourcing of their department.
The workers were responding to reports that Chief Executive Mr Willie Walsh intended to outsource the catering department.
Workers have vowed to fight any attempts by the company to outsource their department and SIPTU Catering shop-steward Ms Clare Daly today said the workers would "wage war" against any attempt to "sell them off."
Ms Daly said the intention of Chief Executive Mr Walsh to outsource the department was "merely the beginning of the onslaught" on Aer Lingus' semi-state status.
She said the workers were 'bowled over' by the expressions of support from other departments within the company.
"There is no reason for this move. The net effect has been to undermine the jobs and conditions of those who work in the airline," she added.
Emphasising the company's profitability, Ms Daly said the staff had demonstrated the company's viability. She said there was "no reason" for the move but that it was a drive for the "casualisation of labour., and the ending of job security."
She continued that Aer Lingus management was "hell bent on aping the Ryan model," and "They want an airline with pilots only."