[ad_1]
SIPTU Shannon Airport staff will vote in favor of the strike after Shannon Group, which operates the airport, confirmed that it was proceeding with a 20% pay cut.
SIPTU says it represents around 180 of the 245 employees at the airport, half of whom have already had their work hours cut due to the coronavirus-related collapse of air traffic.
Shannon Group notes that the airport has been hit particularly hard with a 96% drop in passenger numbers between April and June.
Aer Lingus has laid off all Shannon-based staff and, although some Ryanair services resumed in June, traffic through the airport is still down 87% from last year.
Aer Lingus declined to comment on Irish Times reports that it was also considering transferring two long-haul aircraft used for Heathrow and transatlantic routes from Shannon to regional bases in the UK by 2021.
If the Aer Lingus jet were transferred to the UK, it could leave Shannon with only one US service next year operated by American Airlines, as Delta and United Airlines have already ruled out resuming Shannon flights next year.
“Unfortunately, every time we communicate with each other, the crisis in the business seems to deepen. This is the context of the temporary pay cuts recently communicated to relevant staff,” said Shannon Group Director of Human Resources Chris O ‘ Donovan in a letter. to the Union Group today.
He noted that the deadline for applications for the voluntary layoff scheme passed last Friday, adding that the company is now reviewing those applications.
He told the union group that it would be useful to participate as soon as possible to see what additional savings can be obtained with voluntary departures under that scheme.
Responding to a follow-up email from the union asking if the proposed 20% pay cut would be postponed, Mr. O’Donovan stated: “SAA does not postpone the implementation of the temporary pay cut.”
SIPTU aviation organizer Neil McGowan said the union had been consistent in telling Shannon Airport management that it would not accept any reduction in the hourly rate.
He said it was extremely regrettable that management had refused to change course of action.
McGowan said the SIPTU was determined to take all steps to protect the interests of its members at Shannon Airport and to ensure that quality employment remained the norm.
The vote is expected to take several weeks.
Shannon Group has joined other aviation companies in calling for the immediate implementation of the Task Force for Aviation Recovery, which included a call for a stimulus package for regional airports to encourage traffic rebuilding.
[ad_2]