Varadkar ‘hopeful’ on Aer Lingus strike talks

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar says he hopes the planned Aer Lingus strike will be called off as a result of talks between the company and union today.

Impact trade union, which represents the cabin crew, has planned a 24-hour strike on Friday over a roster dispute.

Aer Lingus has warned the introduction of new rosters sought by cabin crew could lead to a loss of more than 300 jobs in Ireland.

Mr Varadkar told RTÉ radio this was the third strike threat this year and the actions were damaging the company.

“It’s an unnecessary inconvenience being imposed on people,” he said.

“I still think at this stage the strike should be called off.

“At this stage pretty everyone has either been rebooked and rescheduled. Tourists will still be able to get here and people will still be able to get away.”

Mr Varadkar said problems with rosters should be sorted out without resorting to strike threats.

“This is a dispute about rosters. It will be sorted out sooner or later,” he said.

“Really these things should be should be sorted out bilaterally in talks between the unions and employers. “

Aer Lingus said the strike actions had already disrupted plans of about 30,000 people.

Cabin crew have asked for the company to implement rosters similar to those in place for pilots.

Impact said it had no choice but to go ahead with the strike action as the company had refused to discuss roster changes.