Aer Lingus job cuts show total disregard for workers’ rights
Labour TD for Dublin Fingal, Duncan Smith, has called the cutting of 500 jobs by Aer Lingus a hammer blow for workers and their families and has called the conduct of Aer Lingus as absolutely disgraceful as it uses the Covid-19 pandemic to pursue their long-term cost cutting agenda to reduce staffing and worsen terms and conditions.
Deputy Smith said:
“This news coming from Aer Lingus today is awful for workers and their families. I believe, despite the difficulties in the aviation sector, this decision by the company is reactionary and heavy handed when there are still avenues left to explore.
“When other airlines across Europe are engaging with Governments to project jobs and support workers and seek support packages, Aer Lingus don’t seem interested in protecting their workforce and appear to be doing the opposite, and slashing jobs to maintain profits.
“Aer Lingus remain one of the most cash rich companies in the aviation industry and their parent company IAG is currently seeking to purchase airlines and expand worldwide. This clearly shows a disregard for workers and their rights in lieu of the potential to maximise their turnover.
“The company have been showing blatant disregard for workers’ rights. My inbox is full of Aer Lingus workers concerned for their livelihoods and the future of their work and feel these decisions by the company have been sprung on them without nearly enough engagement and negotiations.”