Here is what it all about we number 1,500 cabin crew ,All Aer Lingus flights were cancelled over 250 flights ,with 20,000 pax affected,
Aer lingus cabin crew just want a fair deal.
We want to apologise for the disruption caused by our 24hour strike17/10/00.we have been forced to strike by a company that refuses to talk to its staff about:
LOW PAY;Our starting pay is just over IRPŁ5 an hour(before Tax)and rises to just overIRPŁ10 an hour after 24 years in the job.
CASUAL CONTRACTS;All Aer Lingus cabin crew have to begin their careers on temporary part time contracts with just 20 guaranteed hours work a week but.That means a guaranteed income of just IRPŁ5,000 a year,before tax.
PENSIONS;Eight years ago we were promised a better pension scheme in return for higher productivity.We delivered the productivity but there's still no sign of improved pensions.
We are women and men of all ages,trying to raise families and pay rentand mortgages.We care about our passengers and our company ,and don't want to be on strike.
We regret the disruption caused by managements refusal to negotiate with us.But we hope you will understand our position and continue to support us.
We're not asking for much .We just want Aer Lingus management to talk to us about our poor pay and conditions.Publicly,Aer Lingus says it wants talks- but they refuse to agree a date to start negotiations.
There are 5 sections in Aerlingus who have served strike notice and its all over LOW PAY
The ground staff go out this fri 27/10/00 for 4 hours.
The next time cabin crew strike it will be for 48 hours .
[This message has been edited by airpoint (edited 23 October 2000).]