Aer Lingus has described as 'deeply regrettable' a decision by cabin crew to ballot for industrial action.
Their union 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 Christophe Muller warned that the company has the means to deal with every outcome of the ballot.
IMPACT has stressed that no industrial action will take place for at least a fortnight. But that will not eliminate anxiety for thousands of passengers over the peak holiday period.
Aer Lingus says that after 10 months of talks and two separate ballots, it is at a loss to understand why another ballot is necessary.
The airline points out 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.
Aer Lingus said it was time everyone, including the company, shareholders and the travelling public, received clarity about what this group of staff wanted.
Cabin crew will recall that the company threatened to make them all compulsorily redundant after they initially rejected cost cuts.
IMPACT has accused the company of breaching agreements, acting unilaterally and seeking excessive changes for staff.
