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07/10/2008
Workers Vote On Grounding Aer Lingus Plan
Workers at Ireland's biggest airline are preparing to take a vote on action that could potentially cripple the airline's entire operation - including its new Belfast 'hub' operation.
Aer Lingus announced plans this week to cut its costs by €76 million annually, resulting in the axing of 1,500 jobs in many of its crew bases.
The airline has also proposed a plan to outsource much of its work to outside and foreign workers and begin a tender process for its ground handling operations in 140 airports worldwide.
Although major cuts were expected, union chiefs are furious with the scope of the proposals, calling the move an 'Irish Ferries Mark II' in relation to the controversy that unfolded in 2004, when 100,000 people protested over the sacking of Irish ferry workers amid a cost-cutting drive.
A spokesman from SIPTU's management team said: "This is Irish Ferries Mark II. It represents a 'fire sale' of good quality jobs by a management that can see no further than the next quarter's profit and loss sheet.
"Nobody in the company will emerge unscathed from this exercise. Even those who keep their jobs will have to sign up to new contracts, 'a merit and performance based culture' and a pay freeze until the end of 2009."
However, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Dermot Mannion said that the aggressive and radical cost-cutting plan was crucial to ensure the "future viability" of the airline, which suffered €22m losses in the first half of the year.
(DW)
Aer Lingus announced plans this week to cut its costs by €76 million annually, resulting in the axing of 1,500 jobs in many of its crew bases.
The airline has also proposed a plan to outsource much of its work to outside and foreign workers and begin a tender process for its ground handling operations in 140 airports worldwide.
Although major cuts were expected, union chiefs are furious with the scope of the proposals, calling the move an 'Irish Ferries Mark II' in relation to the controversy that unfolded in 2004, when 100,000 people protested over the sacking of Irish ferry workers amid a cost-cutting drive.
A spokesman from SIPTU's management team said: "This is Irish Ferries Mark II. It represents a 'fire sale' of good quality jobs by a management that can see no further than the next quarter's profit and loss sheet.
"Nobody in the company will emerge unscathed from this exercise. Even those who keep their jobs will have to sign up to new contracts, 'a merit and performance based culture' and a pay freeze until the end of 2009."
However, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Dermot Mannion said that the aggressive and radical cost-cutting plan was crucial to ensure the "future viability" of the airline, which suffered €22m losses in the first half of the year.
(DW)
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Shorts have announced that a further 800 jobs are to go at the company’s aerospace division in Belfast. Ominously, Shorts also warned that up to 1,100 other jobs were in jeopardy unless there was an upturn in the aerospace manufacturing sector inside the next few months.
Shorts announce further 800 jobs cut
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Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
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Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
19 September 2005
Irish Ferries offer severance package to workers
Over 540 employees working for Irish Ferries have been offered a voluntary severance package.
Irish Ferries offer severance package to workers
Over 540 employees working for Irish Ferries have been offered a voluntary severance package.
27 February 2004
Irish Ferries workers to return to ships
Seven hours of talks at Irish Labour Relations Commission have led to a deal where the 450 crew members laid off this week by Irish Ferries are to return to work.
Irish Ferries workers to return to ships
Seven hours of talks at Irish Labour Relations Commission have led to a deal where the 450 crew members laid off this week by Irish Ferries are to return to work.
05 August 2021
Nine NI Firms Fined For Underpaying Workers
Nine Northern Irish businesses are amongst 191 UK businesses to be "named and shamed" for underpaying their employees. Following investigations by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, a total of £2.1 million was found to be owed to over 34,000 workers. The breaches took place between 2011 and 2018.
Nine NI Firms Fined For Underpaying Workers
Nine Northern Irish businesses are amongst 191 UK businesses to be "named and shamed" for underpaying their employees. Following investigations by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, a total of £2.1 million was found to be owed to over 34,000 workers. The breaches took place between 2011 and 2018.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
