Aer Lingus Manchester flights face ‘disruptive’ strike threat 

Staff employed by Aer Lingus at Manchester airport are threatening to strike from October half-term in a pay dispute.

 

Almost 130 workers, including check-in staff and cabin crew, have rejected a pay offer from Aer Lingus UK of 12% over two years.

 

They are currently being balloted to take strike action, according to the Unite union. 

 

The ballot closes on October 13, meaning that  walkouts could start as early as late October to coincide with the half-term break.

 

Unite said: “While they recognise this [12%] is a high number on paper, base salaries are so low many say they cannot afford essentials such as rent, bills or groceries and this increase will not address the situation.”

 

The union also highlighted a “stark” pay disparity with colleagues in Dublin, with crew based in the Irish capital receiving more favourable allowances. 

 

“This two-tier approach is causing frustration and a deep sense of unfairness at the Manchester base,” Unite claimed.

 

Aer Lingus operates flights to destinations including Dublin, Boston and Barbados, meaning any strike action will be “extremely disruptive”, the union warned.

 

Unite regional officer John O’Neill said: "We recognise anyone with upcoming Aer Lingus flights will be concerned to hear of potential strikes and how it may impact their travel plans, but workers feel they have no choice but to ballot for industrial action to make their voices heard.

 

"Although on paper the company’s offer seems impressive, our members are telling us a very different story. Base pay is so low that people are struggling to cover essentials, for example we’ve had multiple reports of staff unable to afford their rent.

 

"Aer Lingus must come back to the table with an improved offer to avoid any disruption."

 

Aer Lingus said in a statement: “Aer Lingus is disappointed that cabin crew on its UK transatlantic routes are balloting for industrial action.

 

“Aer Lingus negotiated in good faith with the Unite trade union having regard to benchmarked market pay in the UK. Aer Lingus and Unite reached agreement on two separate comprehensive and market competitive pay deals which Unite then recommended to its members, the latter being based on a recommendation following a detailed conciliation process at ACAS.”