Airline strike could hit Belfast International Airport

Passengers using Belfast International Airport this winter have been warned that Aer Lingus services could be disrupted if employees vote in favour of industrial action.

The airline's employees are reacting to the news that around 1,500 jobs will be lost and significant outsourcing measures will be implemented as Aer Lingus announced it is attempting to cut costs by £57 million.

Trade union Siptu has suggested that it will ballot its members for full-scale industrial action that would cause the cancellation of hundreds of flights from Belfast International Airport over the coming months.

Union official Christina Carney said: "To export jobs during a recession is unacceptable, and we will fight any attempts to do that. That fight begins by talking with management."

Aer Lingus' cost-cutting plan involves the closure of bases for cabin crew at Heathrow Airport and Shannon Airport and hiring American crews to work transatlantic routes.

Currently, the Irish airline serves ten European destinations from Belfast International Airport, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Heathrow Airport, Paris and Rome.

Posted by Graham Greenaway on the 09/10/2008 16:49:01
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