Union Members Accept Aer Lingus Plan

The union for Aer Lingus workers have accepted a compromise package to save the airline from proposed industrail action following a vote on Tuesday.

The deal, which will result in €24.5 million in savings, was voted for by 80% of union members, but will still result in redundancies, lower pay and the introduction of more efficient work practices.

Staff can now opt to take any of a number of changes, such as voluntary redundancies or accepting pay cuts in order for the deal to hold.

"It is now a matter for the company to evaluate the options each individual has made under the alternative cost savings plan to see if it provides a viable option," National Industrial Secretary Gerry McCormack said yesterday evening after the conclusion of the ballot.

"Staff members have up until 5.00pm tomorrow to notify the company of their preferred options."

The company needs 7% of staff in Cork and Dublin, and 35% of staff in Shannon to leave. It also needs half of the remaining staff to migrate onto the new terms and conditions provided for to achieve the cost savings necessary.

Belfast-based workers are not affected as they are already employed under similar conditions to the new ones being proposed for the Republic.

The decision follows yesterday's takeover bid from Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary, who proposed a €750 million deal to acquire Aer Lingus.

(DW)