Engagement between Aer Lingus and employees necessary for reaching agreement – Farrell

Deputy Farrell said, “The airline industry has been one of the worst affected sectors in the economy since the Covid-19 pandemic began. As international travel has ground to a halt, companies have come under increasing pressure.

“It was with great sadness that we learned of the up to 500 job losses in Aer Lingus today. This will undoubtedly cause significant stress and worry to the workers and their families.”

Deputy Farrell continued, “The Government took swift action to limit the job losses which resulted from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy. The Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and a new fund through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), the Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund, are all designed to help people and businesses through this uncertain time.

“Industrial relations are a matter for the airlines, their employees and their partners, which unfortunately means that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has no role in such matters. However, if redundancies must occur, I urge Aer Lingus to engage with their employees in good faith. The industrial relations machinery of the State stands ready to assist all parties in an effort to reach a suitable agreement.”

Deputy Farrell added, “We are committed to rebuilding the economy with a new Action Plan for Jobs and a range of supports for the business community. Workers whose employment is impacted by Covid-19 will not be left behind as we return to economic growth. Together we will rebuild and overcome the economic challenges presented by the pandemic.”