Govt rebate to Aer Lingus must be limited to 230 redundancies – Kennedy

Dublin North Fianna Fáil TD Michael Kennedy, who is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee, has welcomed the talks taking place today at the Labour Relations Commission but insists the redundancy rebate available to the airline must be limited to 230 redundancies.

“I believe the latest round of dialogue with the Labour Relations Commission can lead to a resolution of this matter involving Cabin Crew members of IMPACT.  However if Aer Lingus proceeds to a compulsory redundancy I will be asking the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan TD, to initiate an investigation to establish if this would constitute a genuine redundancy,” said Deputy Kennedy.

“It is my belief that if Aer Lingus proceeds to a compulsory redundancy in the manner in which it has been reported, then this will not constitute a genuine redundancy and result in Aer Lingus forfeiting the 60% rebate of the redundancy payments.  In any event, I strongly believe, that the rebate available to the airline must also be limited to 230 redundancies.” said Deputy Kennedy.

 “In recent days I have received representations from IMPACT Cabin Crew members at Aer Lingus and their union representatives and I have spoken to my colleagues; the Tánaiste, the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD and the Minister for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary TD about this matter.  The workers are very concerned about the measures announced last week by the airline in light of their rejection of Aer Lingus’ cost reduction measures,” added Deputy Kennedy.

“The efforts that are currently underway to stabilise the financial situation at Aer Lingus are needed to ensure the airline is not exposed to a hostile takeover.  Workers at the airline and the travelling public need a strong, viable Aer Lingus.  This is essential for competition and the tourism industry and I hope the latest round of talks will be successful,” concluded Deputy Kennedy.