Labour urges support for workers facing Aer Lingus uncertainty
Labour urges support for workers facing Aer Lingus uncertainty - The Labour Party
Labour Enterprise spokesperson George Lawlor TD has called for Government action following reports that up to 500 jobs at Aer Lingus are under threat as part of a major cost-cutting programme.
Deputy Lawlor said:
“My thoughts are with the workers affected and their families at this deeply worrying time. Reports suggest that staff are receiving details today of how these proposed job losses may affect them. I want to express my solidarity with every Aer Lingus worker and their families that depend on these jobs. Losing your job, or living with the uncertainty that you may lose it, places enormous pressure on people and families. At a time when so many households are already struggling with the soaring cost of food, fuel, energy and housing.
“Minister Burke must engage directly with Aer Lingus to ensure workers are treated fairly throughout this process and that every possible effort is made to protect jobs and livelihoods where possible. It must work with Aer Lingus and unions to minimise the impact of these proposals and support those affected.
“For years Labour has argued that Ireland needs a short-term work scheme similar to Germany’s successful Kurzarbeit model. Our Finance spokesperson Ged Nash TD has consistently made the case that employers and the State should work together to support workers whose hours are temporarily reduced, preventing families from falling off a financial cliff through no fault of their own. This is a practical, proven approach that protects workers, businesses and the wider economy during periods of disruption.
”Looking beyond today’s immediate concerns, Government must also ensure that any reduction in Aer Lingus capacity does not have unintended consequences for regional tourism. Reliable air connectivity is vital for regional economies and employment. Ministers must work proactively to protect Ireland’s regional tourism sector from any knock-on effects of these changes.
“Government must not treat these announcements as inevitable. It must engage immediately with Aer Lingus, workers and trade unions to protect as many jobs as possible, ensure fair treatment for every employee and finally put in place a short-term work scheme that gives workers the security they deserve when businesses face temporary challenges.”