AER LINGUS cabin crew have voted by nine to one to seek sanction from the SIPTU national executive for a strike which would close all the airline's transatlantic services in two weeks' time.
The dispute is over the company's decision to accommodate staff overnight in an upper west side area of New York which the union says is unsafe.
SIPTU yesterday circulated crime statistics it received from New York's 20th police precinct which is responsible for the Lucerne Hotel where it is proposed to accommodate the Aer Lingus "crew.
Police last year reported 18 rapes, five murders, 306 robberies, 116 assaults and 944 general larcenies in the area between 59th and 86th Street, Central Park West. The Lucerne is located on 79th Street. "We are not racist but it is very close to Harlem," a SIPTU official said.
An Aer Lingus spokesman said last night the company was committed to the highest standard of staff welfare and had gone to "extraordinary" lengths to get good quality, secure accommodation.
The Lucerne's brochure describes it as being located in "a unique and lively residential area".
The dispute has initially affected crew on the Shannon New York route. However, a SIPTU official, Mr Des Hughes, said the dispute could spread to all transatlantic cabin crew. Aer Lingus also serves New York directly from Dublin and operates year round services to Boston and Chicago. If the SIPTU national executive sanctions the strike, Mr Hughes says it could take effect in two weeks time.
Aer Lingus has provided the highest standard for its crews overnighting in New York for 40 years, according to Mr Hughes recognising the difficulties and stress of their work. The company had moved the crew out to White Plains, but this was a long way from Kennedy International Airport. "The hotel was fine but the distance meant there were sometimes delays getting to the airport, which cost Aer Lingus money.
The Aer Lingus spokesman last night expressed disappointment at the outcome of the ballot. He called on SIPTU to reconsider its threat of industrial action.
Mr Hughes said the union was still available for discussions.