29/08/2007
Irish Ministers Discuss Aer Lingus Issue
Aer Lingus' controversial decision to close its Shannon-Heathrow route has reportedly been discussed by the Cabinet at its first meeting since the Dail resumed after the summer break.
Noel Dempsey, Minister for Transport, said that the government would do all it could to ensure that another airline was found to operate the Shannon-Heathrow route, but stressed that it was important not to over-emphasise the impact on Shannon airport and the region as a whole because of Aer Lingus' decision.
Around 30 people, including council and business representatives from Shannon, also protested outside government buildings while the meeting took place.
On Tuesday, the board of Aer Lingus met to consider a request for an extraordinary general meeting of shareholder to discuss the decision to close the Shannon-Heathrow route.
The request had been put forward by Ryanair, which is now the largest shareholder in Aer Lingus. Ryanair had proposed that the Shannon operation could be retained and the new routes from Aer Lingus' new hub in Belfast facilitated, if the airline scaled back existing services to London's Gatwick airport.
It is understood that the board did not make a decision on the request and no statement was issued after the meeting.
Talks between pilots' union IALPA and Impact, which is representing cabin staff, and Aer Lingus are due to continue at the Labour Relations Commission in Dublin on Thursday.
A planned strike, over allegations that staff hired to work in Belfast would be paid less than those in the Republic of Ireland, was called off last week after talks were confirmed.
(KMcA/SP)
Noel Dempsey, Minister for Transport, said that the government would do all it could to ensure that another airline was found to operate the Shannon-Heathrow route, but stressed that it was important not to over-emphasise the impact on Shannon airport and the region as a whole because of Aer Lingus' decision.
Around 30 people, including council and business representatives from Shannon, also protested outside government buildings while the meeting took place.
On Tuesday, the board of Aer Lingus met to consider a request for an extraordinary general meeting of shareholder to discuss the decision to close the Shannon-Heathrow route.
The request had been put forward by Ryanair, which is now the largest shareholder in Aer Lingus. Ryanair had proposed that the Shannon operation could be retained and the new routes from Aer Lingus' new hub in Belfast facilitated, if the airline scaled back existing services to London's Gatwick airport.
It is understood that the board did not make a decision on the request and no statement was issued after the meeting.
Talks between pilots' union IALPA and Impact, which is representing cabin staff, and Aer Lingus are due to continue at the Labour Relations Commission in Dublin on Thursday.
A planned strike, over allegations that staff hired to work in Belfast would be paid less than those in the Republic of Ireland, was called off last week after talks were confirmed.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 August 2007
Jobs Fears For Shannon Following Aer Lingus Move To Belfast
There are fears that there could be a number of jobs losses in Shannon following Aer Lingus' decision to close its daily Shannon to Heathrow route in order to operate a new service from Belfast. On Tuesday, Aer Lingus told staff that 45 jobs could be lost at Shannon as a result of the move.
Jobs Fears For Shannon Following Aer Lingus Move To Belfast
There are fears that there could be a number of jobs losses in Shannon following Aer Lingus' decision to close its daily Shannon to Heathrow route in order to operate a new service from Belfast. On Tuesday, Aer Lingus told staff that 45 jobs could be lost at Shannon as a result of the move.
27 August 2007
Aer Lingus Boycott Considered By Councillors
Councillors in Limerick are meeting on Monday to discuss a formal boycott of Aer Lingus because of its controversial decision to transfer its Shannon to Heathrow service to its new hub in Belfast. The decision has sparked fears of jobs losses in Shannon as a result of the closure of the route.
Aer Lingus Boycott Considered By Councillors
Councillors in Limerick are meeting on Monday to discuss a formal boycott of Aer Lingus because of its controversial decision to transfer its Shannon to Heathrow service to its new hub in Belfast. The decision has sparked fears of jobs losses in Shannon as a result of the closure of the route.
21 August 2007
Talks Begin In Aer Lingus Dispute
Talks between Aer Lingus and pilots' union, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa) have resumed at the Labour Relations Commission. The talks begin last night after a planned 48-hour strike over the pay and conditions to be offered to new pilots at the airline's new Belfast base was called off. The strike had been due to begin today.
Talks Begin In Aer Lingus Dispute
Talks between Aer Lingus and pilots' union, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa) have resumed at the Labour Relations Commission. The talks begin last night after a planned 48-hour strike over the pay and conditions to be offered to new pilots at the airline's new Belfast base was called off. The strike had been due to begin today.
14 August 2007
Aer Lingus Pilots Announce 48-Hour Strike
Around 500 Aer Lingus pilots have announced plans to hold a 48-hour strike next week, in protest over plans to pay staff at the company's new Belfast operation less than those in the Irish Republic. The strike is due to be held next Tuesday and Wednesday and is expected to affect all the air routes run by Aer Lingus.
Aer Lingus Pilots Announce 48-Hour Strike
Around 500 Aer Lingus pilots have announced plans to hold a 48-hour strike next week, in protest over plans to pay staff at the company's new Belfast operation less than those in the Irish Republic. The strike is due to be held next Tuesday and Wednesday and is expected to affect all the air routes run by Aer Lingus.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.