Fórsa seeks Aer Lingus engagement on Belfast routes

Fórsa has criticised Aer Lingus’ failure to consult or communicate with staff at the airline’s Belfast base, following the announcement today (Thursday) that the airline would no longer be operating European flights from Belfast City airport.

Fórsa official Ashley Connolly said Aer Lingus staff based in Belfast only became aware of the decision following media reports this morning: “Aer Lingus staff in Belfast are very angry and worried about their future, and the future of routes in and out of Belfast.

The continuing failure to communicate with staff has given rise to misunderstandings and disputes that could otherwise have been avoided.

“The company’s failure to engage with their own staff, to keep them informed of decisions that affect their livelihood, damages the credibility of the airline,” she said.

Ms Connolly added that the union has already been trying to engage with the company on negotiating a new deal for staff at the Belfast base, as the current deal is due to expire at the end of September. She said negotiations were expected to include discussion about the routes that have now been cancelled.

“It’s hard not to conclude that Aer Lingus management has a complete disregard for our members in Belfast. It’s extremely disappointing that the company has not sought to engage with us on their behalf.

Unfortunately, this has always been our experience of dealing with Aer Lingus when it comes to their Belfast operation.

“Unfortunately, this has always been our experience of dealing with Aer Lingus when it comes to their Belfast operation. Their continuing failure to communicate with staff has given rise to misunderstandings and disputes that could otherwise have been avoided,” she said.

Ms Connolly said she has contacted Aer Lingus management seeking an urgent meeting to address the cancelled services and a successor base agreement. She told the company that Fórsa would no longer tolerate its continued disregard for staff and its continuing failure to engage issues raised at meetings with the union.