Merely days after the Lisbon referendum was passed, Aer Lingus have announced plans to cut almost 700 jobs and implement wage cuts of up to 30%. Here Joe Higgins & Socialist Party councillor and Aer Lingus Shop Steward Clare Daly respond.
Last week CEO Christoph Mueller cynically circulated an e-mail to all staff promoting the Lisbon treaty. In it he made reference to a Yes vote securing the future of the company and employment in Ireland. He made these claims knowing that within a few days he was going to announce massive job losses and further cuts in pay
This is the race to bottom plain and simple. Mr Mueller’s reference to and end to ‘legacy’ work practices is a code word for breaking up what remains of the decent conditions won through decades on the back of trade union organisation. An active and serious response is needed by SIPTU and especially IMPACT whose members will feel the brunt of these attacks. It should be clear to the both union leaderships that nothing we give up will ever be enough for the employers in Aer Lingus who keep coming back for more. It’s time to make a stand
Yesterday, Joe Higgins raised this issue at the European Parliament, making it clear that the Irish government asked Aer Lingus to delay the announcement of these savage attacks until after the Lisbon referendum. This underlines the extreme cynicism of the establishment’s campaign for Lisbon. They promised jobs and economic recovery if the Treaty was passed. Yet, they knew that plans were prepared for almost 700 job cuts and up to 30% of wage cuts at Aer Lingus.
These attacks demonstrate the emptiness of their referendum promises. It is clear that the neo-liberal policies common to the European Union and the Irish government will not result in economic recovery, instead they result in further attacks on working conditions.
CHECK OUT OTHER RELATED ARTICLES:
- Speech in Euro Parliament on Lisbon Result & Aer Lingus Job Cuts
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- Joe Higgins: After Lisbon Yes result – what does it mean?
- Lisbon vote not endorsement for hated government
- Any changes to Lisbon Treaty must be put to referendum
