This article is from page 2 of the 2007-03-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
AER LINGUS staff at Shannon may have to adopt a range of new work practices, following recommenda- tions from the Labour Relations Commission.
The LRC yesterday released its rec- onebaelesslee-T allele Rene (ore mel Moon ODNITcMmNals long-running dispute between unions and management.
The airline has been told to discuss cost-cutting practices with staff in- stead of seeking to impose them on a unilateral basis. The Labour Rela- tions Commission also recommend- ed staff be compensated for loss of earnings or annual leave.
The court states that where loss of
holidays or earnings result from the new measures, compensation should be paid. The precise level of compen- sation is likely to be the subject of further negotiations to be completed within four weeks.
However, it was also recommended that major changes in work practices would have to be implemented if cost cuts were to be achieved at the air- line.
The changes have been the source of a serious dispute between unions and management, which almost re- sulted in strike action.
LRC Chairman Kevin Duffy said he was satisfied that the current situ- ation warranted the implementation of measures to bring about further
cost savings and efficiencies.
Both sides have welcomed the recommendations, but stated more would be needed to bring about a to- tal resolution.
Michael Halpenny, SIPTU Nation- al Industrial Secretary, said the LRC had clearly indicated in its findings that Aer Lingus had compromised existing work agreements and the se- curity of future agreements.
He said SIPTU’s disputes’ commit- tee would meet again to discuss the document.
Aer Lingus Chief Executive Der- mot Mannion welcomed the input of the LRC but added, “Much remains to be done and management remains committed to addressing the real
commercial issues that the company faces and ensuring unnecessary cost is removed from the business.”
The court is recommending that staff who currently get 26 or more days of annual leave per year should relinquish two days. Staff entitled to 23, 24 or 25 days should relinquish one day. Greater flexibility over shift arrangements is also recommended, as is the elimination of the practice of working through breaks and fin- ishing early.
SIPTU shop stewards at Aer Lin- gus are meeting on Thursday morn- ing to consider the Labour Court Recommendation on the company’s Programme for Continuous Improve- ment 2007.