Aer Lingus make warning to staff on job cuts

The Irish carrier has made a statement to it employees this week over the possible future of their jobs. They said that if some mutual ground is not made soon they would implement alternative cost-cutting measures by the end of this month. The airline has been trying negotiate the loss of up to 20 per cent of its workforce in a bid to help save the company almost €100 million this year. The two major unions who talk for most of the ground and technical staff at Aer Lingus said they were strongly opposed to the cuts in staff numbers. Representatives have said they will meet with union bosses, but a decision must be made quickly.

The former national carrier have voiced that if a conclusion is not made by the end of the talks on 30th November, compulsory redundancies will have to be implemented and it could end having to be more than what has been planned for because of the extra time it has taken. The airline stressed yesterday that these cost-cutting measures need to happen sooner rather than later. Aer Lingus has been apparently spending their savings rapidly this past year and has so far successfully fought over to take-over attempts by Irish rivals, Ryanair.

Ryanair hold a large stake in the firm and have been trying to force the hand at Aer Lingus for some time now. They have done well to hold off until now, but could be in for a shock if the continued meeting with union reps carries on in the same manner.