Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Flight Deck Forums > Rumours & News
Reload this Page >

Revealed: Aer Lingus 'quit or be pushed' plan

Wikiposts
Search
Rumours & News Reporting Points that may affect our jobs or lives as professional pilots. Also, items that may be of interest to professional pilots.

Revealed: Aer Lingus 'quit or be pushed' plan

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 20th Jul 2005, 09:37
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Revealed: Aer Lingus 'quit or be pushed' plan

From Irish Independent:
(need to be registered)
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independe...issue_id=12759

AER Lingus developed a 12-point plan to make life difficult for its employees in order to persuade 1,800 staff to accept voluntary redundancy.

The plan included:

* Suggesting the airline would introduce a tacky uniform for cabin crew.

* Tedious training programmes for some pilots.

* Deliberately changing shift patterns to make life at the company uncomfortable.

According to one informed source there was also a suggestion that cabin crew, including older air hostesses, would have to abandon their current uniform for jumpsuits and t-shirts.

The total plan is documented in a confidential Aer Lingus report called "Business Plan - HR (Human Resources) strategy 2004".

The 12 initiatives designed to make life difficult for staff are referred to in the documents as "environmental push factors".

A spokeswoman for the company acknowledged that the document had been drawn up by Aer Lingus but dismissed it as a "discussion document". She said: "Those tactics have never been embraced by either the past or present management team."

Nowhere in the 40-page report is there any suggestion that it is a draft or discussion paper.

It states that initiatives to make life uncomfortable for staff were essential to the success of the voluntary severance scheme which was, in turn, essential for the success of the business plan.

The report states: "Environment (sic) push factors are key to driving applications (for the voluntary severance scheme)". The document then details the 12 "push factors".

Top of the list is: " 'Tap on the shoulder' of all relevant superintendents." This is understood to be a reference to 200 supervisor-grade employees who were individually approached by senior management and told they had no future with the company.

The second "push" factor listed calls for performance improvement plans. Sources said these were designed to put staff under pressure at work. The third push factor listed is "attendance management".

One of the more controversial initiatives in the plan comes in at number four and is titled "adverse changes in work/shift patterns". Adverse shift changes would make life at Aer Lingus particularly difficult for employees with families.

The fifth of the strategies outlined is "called lack of availability of IWSL". This is a reference to "In Week Special Leave" which gives cabin crew the option of flexible working arrangements.

The ninth "push factor" is called "assignment to resource centre". It is understood this initiative was aimed at surplus pilots who would be assigned to the centre, known by some staff as 'Guantanemo Bay', where they would spend weeks on training modules which, according to one source, were considered by pilots to be boring and tedious.

A number of the 12 points have already been implemented. These include number 10, "no transport", which is a reference to the abolition of the special bus which ferried cabin crew working unsociable shifts to and from airport car parks.

Other initiatives include "closure/reduction of bases", "significantly reduced overtime" and "working contracted hours".

The HR strategy also deals with plans to reduce employment levels by outsourcing services such as catering and cleaning. Under the terms of an EU regulation written in to Irish law, the 1977 Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment (TUPE), the new contractor is obliged re-employ existing staff.

According to the report the way to avoid transfers is to make TUPE offers "unattractive". It states: "An 'unattractive' TUPE offer will give surplus staff the option to transfer to new service provider with no exit package, reduced pension rights and lessened security of employment."

Tom McEnaney
Irishboy is offline  
Old 20th Jul 2005, 09:38
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: west of here
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Intimidation not just at Ryanair - ALT too!!

Looks like Aer Lingus have been sucked into the world of systematic intimidation of staff. Check out the links below in the "Quit or be pushed " tactics employed by the Human relations nazi's in Aer Lingus.
I remember the cabin panicing about their garish polo shirts with big dots on them thy'd be wearing in the new Willie walsh airline.
ALT are denying all at moment, saying the proposals were never implemented, however i remember also the attempts to redeploy those commuter pilots who ended up sitting on their arse's for nine months.

This can only be good news for the Knight in shinning armour dermot Mannion about to come over the hill to save the besieged Castle Shamrock!

RTE link
Shamjet is offline  
Old 20th Jul 2005, 15:42
  #3 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Pub
Age: 36
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No push plan!

No push plan, says Aer Lingus chairman

July 20, 2005 14:50
Aer Lingus has said that its 2,900 staff will receive letters later today in respect of a discussion document on how voluntary redundancies might be achieved at the airline.

The letter seeks to pour cold water on suggestions that senior management was prepared to engage in cynical practices to make working at the airline uncomfortable.

Aer Lingus this morning acknowledged the existence of a memo which outlined a number of factors designed to make life difficult for staff and encourage them to take voluntary redundancy. The airline was reacting to a story in this morning's Irish Independent which concerns a leaked document prepared by the airline.


But Aer Lingus chairman John Sharman said the document reported in the paper was not a plan and would never be a plan under his stewardship.

The confidential Aer Lingus paper comes from a provisional business strategy prepared by the airline for 2004. The strategy contains a list of what are called 'environmental push factors' - measures which could be used to encourage staff to avail of a voluntary redundancy programme.

The push factors listed range from changes to shift patterns which would be unsuitable to employees with families, to tedious training programmes for surplus pilots. The plan also suggested changing the cabin crew uniform in order to encourage cabin crew to leave.

This morning the Aer Lingus Chairman said today's letter would not contain an apology. IMPACT, the largest union at Aer Lingus and representing cabin crew, middle management and pilots, had called for such a measure.

IMPACT has claimed that attempts had been made to implement much of what was recommended under the 12 points listed in the document. It said that some of these measures were resisted to the point of the union going to the Labour Court, particularly in relation to the denial of in-week special leave.

The union said it would be seeking assurances that none of the recommendations would resurface as future proposals and it emphasised the urgent need to develop a new relationship of trust and confidence between management, staff and unions at the airline.

Acknowledging that the document as reported today would be viewed 'considerably adversely' by staff, the Aer Lingus Chairman said he would write to workers today to say that the paper quoted in the Irish Independent article was taken out of context and does not represent anything that happened in the company, nor his view of how it treated staff.

Mr Sharman said the document was one of a large bundle of documents prepared 14 or 15 months ago at the time the airline was considering its business plan. He said it was not a list of tactics, but a discussion of parts of the business plan which could have an implication for the voluntary severance scheme.

He particularly rejected any suggestion that Aer Lingus would try to make life difficult for shift workers with families, saying the reverse was true, and the airline would invest heavily in trying to improve work patterns for cabin crew and pilots.
d2k73 is offline  
Old 20th Jul 2005, 15:56
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: LHR
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well, there's no push plan now obviously. It was all a misunderstanding...



Wonder if these push plans are sitting in Willie Walsh's back pocket, ready to be dusted off come September?

BikerMark is offline  
Old 20th Jul 2005, 21:23
  #5 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: moon
Posts: 3,564
Received 89 Likes on 32 Posts
Fire the author of the paper for gross stupidity. That would be a good start in reducing costs.

Having administered a VR scheme in the engineeering division of an airline, the idea of a good VR scheme is to ENTICE people to leave. You need to have sufficient dollars (pounds?) to make it attractive for the targetted group and you need to make it clear that there is only ever going to be ONE offer. We cut 10 percent painlessly. Everyone was happy.

Furthermore, you need to have mutual agreement that someone can take VR otherwise all you are left with at the end is the deadwood.

The Aerlingus proposal is dumb because the least employable people will hang on the longest.

Oh! And what about the customers?

Last edited by Sunfish; 21st Jul 2005 at 09:57.
Sunfish is offline  
Old 20th Jul 2005, 22:07
  #6 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
why the surprise? none of this new!
just silly to give sight of the document,is all.
sweeper is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 06:01
  #7 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Angry

Well, Mr. Mannion certainly has his work cut out, when he joins next month.

Personally, I think a whole new approach to HR is needed and if (as I suspect) they are the source of this document - who else, after all - heads need to roll. See how they like "a tap on the shoulder".

Joking apart, this is an appalling PR/HR disaster - I'll predict here that it will be remembered in years to come on the same level of Ratner's "crap" comment. The airline is going to have to do some pretty dramatic back-pedalling and bridge building, to create and rebuild new morale.
akerosid is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 07:17
  #8 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 1998
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Is there any doubt now as to the complete and utter lack of morals in airline management today. There is a common thread throughout much of the industry, and it involves a new breed of management that is convinced that the 'means justifies the end'. This truly is one of the most appalling examples of cretinous and perverse management thinking that has ever reached the light of day. I don't doubt that many other airlines have HR departments that think just like this sad lot do. Whomever is responsible for this should be utterly ashamed of themselves, both as 'professionals' and basically, human beings. The fact that the very employees they were targeting are by and large hard working and loyal only heightens the contrast as to the moral disparity between them and this sickening lot. It truly makes me sick reading this. Shame
great southern land is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 07:19
  #9 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 1997
Location: 5530N
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the employee/employer relations have been abymissal for years. when the 146 was retired the co. purposely left the pilots in the wildereness. they instructed them then to turn in for non pilot duties to which they refused.....they were then hauled in front of an Aer Lingus kangaroo court and told more or less that the process would see them fired....total bullying and harassment to good people that served the company a long time worried sick for their future and families. IALPA told them stick to their guns as the rest of the troops would walk out if they were not kept on, on full pay with a re instatement of flying duties in time. Rumour had it the 146 pilots were going to be temp. cabin crew......today a lot of those ex 146 pilots back on the line wear their treatment by the company like a scar and deservedly so. Aer Lingus continues the mantra they are overstaffed with pilots yet eveyone is working their tails off to max duties. Aer Lingus are liars, they have lied to the public, their employees, the irish government and their gestapo tactics have failed.....this leads to their future dealings with employees. the company requires changes in work practices for long haul operations.....if they treated employees right in previous times they would have a deal by now...

Last edited by Bearcat; 21st Jul 2005 at 13:09.
Bearcat is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 08:20
  #10 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: The Planet Zog
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think Mr Mannion will, on his arrival surround himself with a competent team. That would include the removal of such luddites as the authors of this memo.

Methinks Lizzy is going to go for the high jump after getting a tap on the shoulder in the near future.
A330driver is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 08:34
  #11 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 1997
Location: 5530N
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A330....WTGR I think Mannion will clear the decks...he has to as there is a lot of ex WW bafoons in HOB....I also think WW has been exposed for what he really was...a niave bully and what is happening in the press reflects his stance on employee relations. As for Dizzie...total light weight who was caterpulted into an area way above its ability.
Bearcat is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 08:54
  #12 (permalink)  

to sail beyond the sunset
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Dublin
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Fire the author of the paper for gross (Irish?) stupidity
Thanks Sunfish, all we needed was a bit of crude racism.
Taildragger55 is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 08:58
  #13 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Dublin Ireland
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hear Hear Taildragger

You beat me to it. Thanks Sunfish, for dragging the thread down through the racism gutter. Now why not do the decent thing and remove the offending bracketed item.
Miles Hi is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 09:56
  #14 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: moon
Posts: 3,564
Received 89 Likes on 32 Posts
Offending Irish reference removed begorrah! An me wit an Irish great grandmutter!
Sunfish is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 09:57
  #15 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Timbuktu
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Don't be too quick to condemn that remark as racist Miles Hi, the fact is that this behaviour is almost endemic in Irish management, and not just in the airline business. There's some form of self loathing at the root of it - post colonial angst no doubt.

Anyhow, back to the subject.

Should one laugh, or cry? What a load of stupid tossers run that company.

I can see the dirty little fingers of WW all over this - lets face it, the media had their noses stuck so far up his arse crack they couldn't tell **** from shinola. Nor did they want to. He was given free hand to act as outrageously as he wished, and like the small man he is - he took full advantage.

Yes, WW set the tone, and the rest followed his lead. Any vestige of integrity among ALT management was binned by that little Hitlers example.

No doubt the 3 (count 'em - THREE) public enquiries that are about to get under way - not to mention the numerous 'constructive dismissal' actions for compensation - will reveal even more damning evidence of Walsh's dirty game.

Bring it on.

Wherefore now your shining reputation Willy?
Prepare to wallow in the gutter - you're more at home there anyhow, I know.

But, let us not be distracted - there are other questions to be answered.

Who wrote the Memo?
Why did the authour write it, rather than simply 'dreaming it'.
Who saw it?
Why did they allow themselves to be thus incriminated?
Who leaked the Memo?
Why now?

I see wheels within wheels.
Scores being settled. Decks being cleared. Dead wood being chopped.
Michael Martin just jumped on the bandwagon - he has it in for some of the heads in ALT - no doubt Bertie has sicked him on the lot of them - perhaps aiming to destabilise the gurriers laying in wait for the new arrival?

LW (Human Resources and probable Memo author) is for the high jump. Her recent conviction for bullying was the beginning of the end. Someone wants her out - obviously she wasn't going quietly. No problem - this'll sort her out.

So who is the master manipulator this time? Surely not the new guy - he isn't even in the hotseat yet.
Speaking of which - I hope he has a well upholstered ass - because the hotseat just got hotter.
Red hot.

The same players that are in action now saw to poor old Michael Foley. Be very careful Mr.Mannion.
Good luck. You'll be needing it.

I see the Irish Independant takes credit for the scoop on this story too. Some of their correspondents were Willys greatest fans - think Moore McDowell for starters.
Yet lately they've 'gone off' Aer Lingus management a bit. Started getting critical, even of the golden boy Willy.
And now they go and do this! Hanging out ALT's and WW's dirty linen in public! How could they!

Could it have anything to do with the recent dumping of their rag from the prime position as the sole journal Aer Lingus flogged on board? Do I smell their sweet revenge for that act of disloyalty - allowing the competitors broadsheet to displace them?
Wheels within wheels.

As to the Memo itself - parts of it are hilarious, harmless fun really. The uniform wheeze for instance, how we laughed!!
On the other hand - the intentionally disruptive rostering was a low blow, along with the persecution and victimisation of the 146 guys.

Heads are going to roll, thats for sure. But things had better change soon at Aer Lingus - Mr.Mannion has a job of work to do to save the place from meltdown.

One wonders how the fallout from this is going to tarnish Willys grand inauguration in BA, especially if it gets as dirty as it promises to become.

Poor old BA - you're about to receive an intravenous injection of a nasty virulent Irish disease.
Managementitis Willius.

Last edited by maxalt; 21st Jul 2005 at 10:11.
maxalt is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 10:28
  #16 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: The Far Side
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Talking

This raises a philosophical question.
Can you blame an asbsent Willie for Dirty Tricks?
ZQA297/30 is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 10:37
  #17 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Timbuktu
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Certainly.
Some Willys dirty tricks don't emerge for 9 months.
He's only been gone four. Watch this space.
maxalt is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 11:17
  #18 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Above Sea Level
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Serves once again to remind us that HR are the lowest form of life. For people supposed to be trained in dealing with humans, they are once again exposed as in fact having a touch inspired by Himmler. Human remains indeed.

And as the connivance of not-so-slick Willy is clear, I say good luck BA, I hope you people don't have to reap what your board has sown.
One Step Beyond is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 12:02
  #19 (permalink)  
Registered User **
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Sydney
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I can categorically tell you that the "Willies" of this world have pretty much worn out their honeymoon with at least two top 5 international investment banks.

The quote from a few old "kingdom" cairdes based overseas was:

"we''re taking the view that we are getting pretty tired of bullys who cut staff and head count to bits, make a small turnaround in the first or second Qtr and what you get left with is poor morale and 2nd rate yes men with no creativity in senior management positions"

Can't name the banks, so don't ask.

perhaps Jackie-healy Rae can help ?
7gcbc is offline  
Old 21st Jul 2005, 17:05
  #20 (permalink)  
I call you back
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Alpha quadrant
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ooooh this is soooo exciting. 3 public enquiries!!!

Look what the investigation into Ben Dunne's generosity brought us.

This one could be a slow burner but if they dig and dig and dig you never know where it might lead.

IAA for breakfast anyone?

the Willie 2 Eggs in your face omelette

the Henry soup of the day ( Thick country vegetable )

try our White Waffle with Complete Hash brown

Afterwards try the Mysterious Leek Chocolate Chip on the shoulder pancake and eat it.
Faire d'income is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.