Aer Lingus response to union ballots
09-Mar-2010 Aer Lingus Group plc ("Aer Lingus", "the Company") today held a Board meeting at which it formally approved the steps that will be taken by the Company to achieve the required savings under its cost reduction programme.
The following statement in respect of the outcome of the union ballots on the cost reduction programme was issued today.
Aer Lingus gratefully acknowledges the support of four of the five union groups that balloted on the 'greenfield' cost reduction programme. Given the overwhelming support of four union groups, implementation of the 1,065 compulsory redundancies contemplated in the so called 'Plan B' is unfair. Therefore Aer Lingus intends to promptly proceed with the implementation of those elements of the cost reduction programme that were agreed with those four union groups that supported the proposals.
In the case of Cabin Crew, a new solution will incorporate redundancies, reduced salaries, new working conditions and the de-layering of the Cabin Crew organisation. Therefore Aer Lingus will notify the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment of the commencement of a 30 day compulsory consultation period as required by law. Cabin Crew will be informed of the precise measures applicable to them in due course.
Further announcements may be made as appropriate.