Aer Lingus states cabin crew strike 'regrettable'

Aer Lingus stated "after a year of talks, two separate ballots and a binding arbitration process" IMPACT's plans to launch work-to-rule industrial action for cabin crew staff next week is "regrettable" (Reuters/The Irish Times, 06-Oct-2010). The action is in response to the carrier's plans to increase work hours to 850 p/a for cabin crew by using original rosters, in a move to cut costs. The union stated it served the notice of strike action after management decided to abandon an agreement between the two on the implementation of the new working hours. IMPACT stated the action would have no affect on passenger travel.

IMPACT: "The problem for us is that the relationship between the cabin crew and the company is non-existent and morale is at an all-time low," Christina Carney, Assistant Secretary General. Source: Reuters, 06-Oct-2010.

Aer Lingus: "The company will do everything in its power to ensure that our customers' travel plans are not disrupted by this latest threat from the IMPACT cabin crew. Aer Lingus will now consider all the available options and will continue to implement the changes required to reach the agreed productivity savings," Company Statement. Source: Reuters, 06-Oct-2010.