This article is from page 4 of the 2007-08-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
WORKERS and union leaders at Shannon were today bracing them- selves for the worst, as they waited for the arrival of Aer Lingus boss, Dermot Mannion, who was expected to announce the ending of all the air- line’s Shannon Heathrow flights. Word was out at the weekend that the airline plans to move it’s impor- tant Heathrow slots to Belfast, where major incentive packages are on of-
fer.
Last night, SIPTU official, Tony O’Carroll said the pulling of the route would be a major blow and confirmed there are serious concerns for jobs, particularly in the ground crew and cabin crew areas.
“We were opposed to the privatisa- tion of Aer Lingus all along. We said that we could see no benefits for this area from it and this just bears that out. If all four flights are gone that’s 26 flights a week – that’s a very heavy
loss,” said Carroll.
The union official said that while there 1s serious concern for jobs, the number in danger will depend on a lot of factors.
“Some people are saying 100 jobs will go here because Aer Lingus plan to create 100 jobs in Belfast but that doesn’t necessarily follow. Ground crew will still be needed here.”
The SIPTU official added that jobs at the airport are a major concern but the move also casts a shadow over
business prospects in the region and the jobs which depend on those busi- nesses. “There will be no carrier serv- icing the route now from Shannon and no flights for business people. Ryanair will have London to themselves.”
A spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Authority said they could not comment last night in advance of an announcement. It is understood that there is extreme concern at the loss of revenue and the loss of the route to Shannon.