SIPTU has warned Aer Lingus that it could face the threat of industrial action in TEAM Aer Lingus if the parent company refuses to participate directly in pay talks, writes Padraig Yeates, Industry and Employment Correspondent. The warning came from the secretary of the SIPTU civil aviation branch, Mr Paul O'Sullivan, last night after talks ended at the Labour Relations Commission.
SIPTU has given Aer Lingus until October 4th to comply with the union demand, otherwise TEAM employees would be consulted about what action should be taken to bring the company to the negotiating table, TEAM employees are seeking a 2.5 per cent pay rise due last July and paid to other Aer Lingus employees.
About 80 per cent of TEAM employees transferred from Aer Lingus and are entitled to return to the company. In an obvious reference to the five per cent pay award for Aer Lingus pilots, Mr O'Sullivan said after yesterday's talks. "All other Aer Lingus employees received 2.5 per cent and there has been more given to one category of workers." TEAM employees expected similar treatment.