Aer Lingus has confirmed that it will temporarily lay off 129 staff members at Shannon Airport, without pay, for three months. The airline said it was no longer sustainable to continue rostering in-flight service and ground operations given that no flights have operated to or from Shannon since April 2020.
Following a review of its Shannon operation, the airline decided to place 129 staff on temporary unpaid lay-off from 8th March to 7th June 2021. This may also be subject to further extension or change based on work requirements in Shannon, an Aer Lingus spokesperson added.
Aer Lingus recorded an operating loss of €361 million in 2020, which they say represents “the largest ever loss in the airline’s history, and demonstrates the profound effect of Covid 19”.
Fórsa Trade Union said that the layoffs were “devastating” for both the staff and the region. The union said that this illustrates Fórsa’s warning on the future of aviation, and needs to be taken seriously and acted upon.
