Aer Lingus has described as ‘deeply regrettable’ the decision by cabin crew to ballot for industrial action.
IMPACT announced the ballot yesterday over implementation of cost-cutting measures including new rosters to increase their working time to 850 hours a year.
Chief Executive Christoph Mueller said the company has the means to deal with every outcome of the ballot.
IMPACT has stressed that no industrial action would take place for at least a fortnight.
General Secretary of IMPACT Christina Carney has said that while cabin crew had agreed to new rosters to increase the working time to an annual 850 hours, management had changed aspects of their contract.
Christina Carney said cabin crew wanted the company to adhere to existing agreements.
However, that will not eliminate anxiety for thousands of passengers over the peak holiday period.
Aer Lingus says that after ten months of talks and two separate ballots, it was at a loss to understand why another vote would be necessary.
It said that cabin crew voted by 93% to accept the greenfield cost-cutting proposals, which the company is now seeking to implement.
The company has called for a 100% turnout for the ballot, which it will permit to be held on paid company time.
IMPACT has accused the company of breaching agreements, acting unilaterally and of seeking excessive changes for staff.
Separately, Aer Lingus has welcomed today's decision by the Commission for Aviation Regulation that there is no requirement for differential pricing between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport.
This confirmation enables Aer Lingus to proceed with the planned transfer of its operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.
