Aer Lingus Threatens To Fire Cabin Crew In Roster Dispute

140 cabin crew workers have been taken off the payroll for refusing the work the new hours.

Aer Lingus management has warned that they could be sacked if they don't return to work.

Last Thursday, the airline was forced to cancel 34 short-haul flights affecting 2,700 passengers.

But since then it has been able to operate a full schedule, by hiring replacement aircraft from other airlines, including Ryanair.

The union representing workers IMPACT says it wants to refer the case to third-party arbitration but the company has shown no appetite for this.

Aer Lingus wants the 1000 cabin crew to work 850 hours per year on new rosters as part of a company-wide plan aimed at cutting costs by €90m a year.

Cabin crew voted in favour of the plan last year, but they claim that the new rosters are not family friendly, and could be drawn up differently to achieve the same result.

Aer Lingus is taking a hard stance against the union, and by hiring outside aircraft, has sent a signal that it intends to stand its ground even if the dispute is prolonged.