Airline staff at Shannon to strike over cuts

Aer Lingus ground staff at Shannon Airport have voted to take industrial action over a plan by the airline to cut job numbers.

Announcing an "overwhelming" vote in favour of action, SIPTU president Mr Jack O'Connor called on Aer Lingus to immediately withdraw the plan.

The airline wants to reduce its ground-handling staff at Shannon by over 100, from the current 208, through voluntary redundancies and early retirements. The decision followed a review of operations arising from a decline in third-party handling business.

The company says it has started communications with staff at Shannon, and will take part in further consultation and engagement on its plans.

However, Mr O'Connor accused the airline of acting in contradiction of its undertakings in relation to consultation, negotiation and agreement. No date has been set for industrial action.