Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Joe Higgins knows my position on this. Staff in Aer Lingus have done a tremendous job over the past 15 years and the management of the company is also doing a good job. In spite of very stiff competition and opposition, it is trying to maintain a strong company. There are 1,800 members in the company who have been given relatively good conditions which they, obviously, want to hold on to. As I have said, the company is in active negotiations on the proposed changes with IMPACT and IALPA and I hope it can get to the same position with SIPTU and the craft unions. I have already said that the National Implementation Body is there. I do not think anybody in Aer Lingus, be they in the board, management or staff, want to do anything to damage the company. In general, Dublin Airport is receiving far more competition from more airlines coming in and increased activity. The staff rightly wish to hold on to their existing conditions. The company has put forward its presentation and it is a matter for normal industrial relations negotiations.

The company's proposals apply to revised terms and conditions for new staff from 1 February and for intensive negotiations on revised terms for existing staff from 1 March. Obviously, the trade unions in the company want to have their input and say in that and will not agree to changes they believe are to the detriment of the workers. This is normal industrial relations work between Aer Lingus and the unions. I know the company is expecting to receive strike notice later today from SIPTU, but I hope there can be a realisation by both sides that they must negotiate this matter. Based on the good work they have done in Aer Lingus over the past 15 years, I have no doubt that both sides will be doing their utmost to avoid any difficulties and come to an amicable resolution of their difficulties, allowing the company to protect employment and grow and strengthen itself. I wish them well with this.

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