Madam, - I wish to question the morality of Aer Lingus policy.
When the State airline was in trouble some time ago, staff numbers were reduced dramatically and a successful turnabout in profit was achieved. The profit last year was, I believe, in the region of €80 million. This is due in no small way to the efforts of the staff. This year's profit is reported to be of the same order.
The management, led by CEO Willie Walsh, wishes to reduce the staff by another 3,000. The stated motive is to compete with cheap flight competition. Maybe this is so, or maybe it is to enhance the profits to create a more saleable package.
If redundancies are to be implemented, why not begin with the most expensive employees? None of us is indispensable and such action would eliminate the suspicion of "hand-outs for the boys". Our State airline doesn't need to compete with cut-price airlines. Anyone in ethical selling will know that quality, value and service will win over cheapness. If profits are to be dispensed why not to the lowest paid employees? - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL O'CARROLL, Newtown Heights, Tramore, Co Waterford.