Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Negotiations resumed this week with your Union committee meeting virtually with members of Aer Lingus management in the US and Ireland. The topics covered at this meeting for the Union were the continued timeline for substantive direct negotiations to begin, job security, and future meeting dates to continue the exchange of proposals.
The Company provided an update on the continued restructuring with a presentation of details related to the customer service portion of the airline, and specific conversations were had that further elaborated on the potential changes and substance of their proposal that will come at the next meeting. Some of the specific changes will be an adjustment to the window of operation for the US concerning all call centers in operation for Aer Lingus.
In addition, discussions were had that centered on the change to the scope of work that is currently taking place with Jericho. In short, the idea around simple calls (e.g., seat selection, meal selection, ticket counter hours, etc.) flowing elsewhere based on the time of day, with the more complex ticketing issues (that no one handles as well as our members) becoming the substance of the scope moving forward. In addition, while not committing to a headcount number, conversations were had about continued job security with a possible commitment in the future to solidifying all of the jobs currently existing for all US-based IAM members with growth most likely a part of the equation also. Talks around a contract term were discussed with the Company looking at a three-year deal.
Talks surrounding economics also occurred, but no wage proposals were exchanged. The Company openly recognized the value that exists within the US-based group so hopefully, the wages in the future will recognize that also. A brief conversation surrounding the cargo operation was had, but no one from cargo was yet prepared to discuss details. There was a commitment to be ready to present at the next meeting.
Future meetings for direct negotiations will occur during the week of July 31, 2023. We fully expect to present a comprehensive proposal to the company as well as receive theirs in the hopes that we can close these negotiations quickly for the membership. If you have any questions about the contents of this bulletin, please reach out to your negotiating committee member or your General Chairperson, James M. Samuel, at or (859) 653-4037, for additional help or information. Thank you for your patience and solidarity. With best wishes we remain
Sincerely and fraternally,
| John M. Coveny, Jr. President/Directing General Chair | James M. Samuel General Chair |
