This article is from page 8 of the 2008-11-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
TALKS aimed at saving jobs and averting a strike which could cripple Christmas travel resumed today at the Labour Relations Commission.
Aer Lingus management and SIPTU are meeting following the interven- tion of the National Implementation Body and spent yesterday number crunching. It’s understood that SIP- TU is suggesting alternatives to the job cuts.
Management is seeking to introduce almost 1,500 job cuts through out- sourcing, voluntary redundancy or early retirement. Up to 300 Aer Lin- gus jobs at Shannon are under threat, which the company says is vital to contain spiralling losses.
Last week, a ballot for industrial ac- tion by SIPTU members resulted in an overwhelming endorsement, and strike notice was served. If no solu- tion is found, this would mean that pickets could be placed on Shannon, Dublin and Cork by November 24, threatening Christmas travel.
The NIB became involved in the situation last week, and after meeting with both side recommended that the parties go back to the LRC.
In a statement, the NIB said: “The body believes that solutions need to be urgently found to the current diffi- culties. In this regard, the body notes that the parties are agreed that such
solutions must offer long-term viabil- ity and stability for both the company and its workers. On receipt of the LRC’s assessment, the NIB will ex- plore with the parties what assistance, if any, it can offer in achieving a final resolution of those issues where dif- ferences remain.”
So far, union representatives and management have not got to the stage of re-opening negotiations. It’s believed that both sides have been number crunching under the chair- manship of Kevin Foley, director of Conciliation Procedures.
Union sources confirmed both sides have been “going over the numbers to see which measures will save what. It’s unlikely they will begin any real negotiations until Wednesday or even Thursday. This is a big process and there are a lot of issues to be consid- ered.”
Over the weekend, Aer Lingus man- agement looked at SIPTU cost cutting proposals which the union says would obviate the need for outsourcing to a third-party supplier.The union fears that under the outsourcing plan, air- line staff would have their jobs re- placed with lower paid positions.
While both sides are saying little in light of the risk of industrial action from Monday, it is understood the draft proposals would involve an ef- fective buyout of existing terms and conditions.