AER LINGUS passengers are facing the possibility of disrupted service due to industrial action after about 1,800 ground operation staff at the airline last night rejected a controversial cost-cutting and work practice reform plan for the second time.
The trade union Siptu, which represents the staff concerned, said that its members considered the measures involved in the plan represented "a step too far".
The union officials had recommended acceptance of the deal.
Aer Lingus did not comment last night, other than saying that it would consider the position.
Under the flexibility plan, which was drawn up following lengthy discussions of the Labour Relations Commission and the National Implementation Body, the staff concerned would have been asked to start earlier and work shifts of varying lengths.
Airline management would also have had the freedom to move personnel between duties, such as between check-in and boarding, during a shift. The moves were aimed at generating savings of about €10 million.
The airline's management has already secured savings and cost-cutting measures worth a further €10 million in deals reached recently with pilots and cabin crew.
The 1,800 ground staff involved include clerical and check-in staff as well as catering and baggage handling and loading personnel.
Earlier this month, the ground staff rejected the flexibility plan by a three to one margin. Following intensive discussions between management and staff involving the provision of clarification on how individual rosters would apply, Siptu held a second ballot.
However last night this was again rejected, although by a smaller margin.
It is understood that the ballot was rejected by clerical and loading personnel at Dublin airport and by some staff in Shannon.
Under Siptu custom and practice, a ballot is considered to be rejected if not passed by all main sections of the workforce.
On the previous occasion on which the plan was rejected, management at the airline had indicated that unless agreement was reached, it would unilaterally implement the measures.
It had signalled that staff who did not co-operate would be suspended and that it would consider outsourcing some of the ground operations.
Siptu national industrial secretary Gerry McCormack said last night that the union currently had a mandate for industrial action in the event of the company seeking to introduce the new work practices without agreement. He said union shop stewards would meet on Monday to review the position.
Mr McCormack said that any activation of the mandate on industrial action would depend on the response of management.
"While Siptu regrets the rejection of these proposals, which were recommended for acceptance by shop stewards, it is clear that our members view them as a step too far, given the changes sought by the company and profits announced in excess of €80 million," he said.