22/10/2007

Thousands Protest Aer Lingus’ Belfast Move

Protesters want the Irish government to use its shareholding in Aer Lingus to force the company to reverse its decision to close the Shannon Airport to Heathrow link.

Up to 10,000 people have attended a rally in Limerick in protest at the airline’s decision to withdrawn the route in favour of operating flights between Heathrow and Belfast International instead.

However, after weeks of dispute, Aer Lingus’ pilots have backed a deal which should clear the way for the opening of the airline's new Northern Ireland hub.

Some 80% of votes counted are in favour of the deal with management negotiated at the Labour Relations Commission.

It was agreed the airline could establish new bases, such as Belfast, on local terms and conditions.

In return, Aer Lingus is also to recognise the union representing pilots at the airplane's planned Belfast base.

Earlier this month, several pilots were suspended after refusing to train new recruits in an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions for Belfast-based employees.

(BMcC)

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