Unite slams Aer Lingus' 'outrageous' Manchester airport closure proposals

Unite has called on Aer Lingus to “provide its rationale immediately” after the Irish flag carrier outlined proposals to close its base at Manchester airport.

The airline last week issued a redundancy notice which put more than 200 workers at risk, including 150 cabin crew who are represented by the union.

In a statement, the company said long-haul operating margin performance at Manchester airport “continues to significantly lag behind that of Aer Lingus’s Irish long-haul operating margin”.

But Unite said Aer Lingus has “failed to provide any information to support its claim” as it pointed to its operating profit of €205 million.

The union added the carrier has projected profits of around £35 million from two aircraft operating three long-haul routes out of Manchester.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is outrageous that such a profitable airline such as Aer Lingus is proposing to close its base, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

“The closure of the base would have a significant impact on workers, their families and the local community, as well as passengers with upcoming flights from the airport.”

Graham added: “Aer Lingus has serious questions to answer about its decision making and must provide its rationale to Unite immediately.”

Cabin crew at Aer Lingus, who work on the three routes to Barbados, New York JFK and Orlando operating from Terminal 2, have been involved in a pay dispute with their employer since last month and have walked out in several days of strike action.

While Unite members have voted for further strike action, the union has offered to halt this to “properly negotiate” with Aer Lingus on the future of the Manchester base.

Unite regional officer John O’Neill said: "Our members working for Aer Lingus at Manchester airport are understandably distressed and anxious about their futures.

“During the dispute, which they have had a legal right and mandate to undertake, they have acted professionally and deserve answers from their employer as to why this base could be closing.

“Unite’s focus is now on saving jobs. The union is prepared to pause further industrial action to create space for consultation with Aer Lingus. We are calling on Aer Lingus to do the right thing and work with us in good faith.”

Unite said it requested further information from Aer Lingus – including the full business rationale, Manchester-specific financials and modelling behind the claim that aircraft could earn more elsewhere – but that the airline’s written response “did not supply this information”.

An Aer Lingus spokesperson said: “Aer Lingus is engaging fully with trade unions and employee representatives to collectively consult over proposals relating to the Manchester base. 

“That consultation is at a very early stage and will explore all options as it progresses. We acknowledge and fully appreciate that this is an uncertain and difficult time for colleagues based in Manchester and we will communicate with the management team and the staff in Manchester over the coming weeks, ensuring that they are kept informed.”