A union says the strike could take place over half term
Aer Lingus UK staff based at Manchester Airport could take strike action(Image: Adam Vaughan)
Passengers are being warned of potential disruption as airline workers based in Manchester vote on strike action.
Unite the Union members employed by Aer Lingus UK are being balloted for industrial action amid a dispute over pay.
Almost 130 workers, based at Terminal 2 in Manchester Airport, would be expected to take part in the strike if it goes ahead.
The ballot closes on Monday, October 13, and Unite says strike action could coincide with the October half term break.
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Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “While Aer Lingus senior management are greedily lining their pockets, hardworking members of staff are left struggling to afford the basics.
“Unite will not stand idly by and let Aer Lingus put profits before people. Our members will have Unite’s full support throughout this dispute.”
Aer Lingus workers could take industrial action(Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Unite says Aer Lingus workers – including check-in staff and cabin crew – rejected a pay offer from the company of 12 per cent over a two-year period.
A union spokesperson said: “While they recognise this is a high number on paper, base salaries are so low many say they cannot afford essentials such as rent, bills or groceries and this increase will not address the situation.
“Many workers have been left taking on second jobs or working so much overtime to improve their wages that they have been left at risk of burnout.
“Meanwhile, Aer Lingus recorded an operating profit of €205m for 2024, while three top executives including its chief executive and chief financial officer earned the bulk of almost €2.8m in core director remuneration paid by the airline last year.
“It also served 11 million passengers, an almost three per cent increase on the previous year.”
The union also claims there is a ‘stark pay disparity’ for Aer Lingus workers based in Manchester against their Dublin-based colleagues, who Unite says receive ‘far more favourable down-route allowances’.
Aer Lingus operates several direct flights from Manchester each day to destinations including Dublin, Boston and Barbados.
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John O’Neill, regional officer for Unite, said: “We recognise anyone with upcoming Aer Lingus flights will be concerned to hear of potential strikes and how it may impact their travel plans, but workers feel they have no choice but to ballot for industrial action to make their voices heard.
“Although on paper the company’s offer seems impressive, our members are telling us a very different story.
“Base pay is so low that people are struggling to cover essentials, for example we’ve had multiple reports of staff unable to afford their rent. Aer Lingus must come back to the table with an improved offer to avoid any disruption.”
Aer Lingus has been approached for comment.