Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister is aware of the plight of Aer Lingus workers because I have written to her on the matter, as have my colleagues, but I wish to share with the Minister just some of the stories we are getting. I will not identify anyone. I received an email yesterday stating:

My net pay for a fortnight after deductions this week came to €250. I have a mortgage and bills to pay which I now cannot afford. We've been informed by our local Intreo office that we are entitled to jobseeker's benefit for the days that we are not working. Aer Lingus have refused to sign the paperwork required for this payment.

Here is another one:

Social welfare and Aer Lingus are still maintaining that we are only entitled to short-term working supports while on the EWSS and not the TWSS. Furthermore, Intreo offices are still stating that they have not received clarity from Aer Lingus and their head of social protection on how to process any of the claims.

The Minister yesterday, on radio, said this was a matter between Aer Lingus and its employees. It is not. It is a matter for her. These people are absolutely desperate. They have rent and bills. We have heard some terrible stories. I have shared with the Minister two of them. I have had hundreds of them into my office. Urgent action is needed on this.

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