Aer Lingus has written to staff saying it will be 'unwavering' in completing full implementation of the Greenfield cost reduction agreement.
This follows the decision by cabin crew to serve notice of industrial action up to and including strike action in a row over new rosters introduced by the airline.
In the internal memo from chief executive Christoph Mueller and the management team, the company says the challenges facing the airline have not receded - and that a few busy months in summer do not equate an easing of the operating environment.
He said the full implementation of Greenfield in all areas remained critical to the viability of the business, adding that it was neither fair nor equitable that any staff group should seek a veto or opt out.
Mr Mueller said that while some suggested that the improved revenue performance could be used to offset some of the cost savings, that would not be possible.
He said that the travelling public and shareholders were not amused by receiving strike notice just a few weeks into a major change process accepted by cabin crew in the Greenfield agreement.
The Aer Lingus chief pointed out that in the last 12 months, the employee shareholders had gained €45.4m in value through their employee share ownership schemes. But he said almost 10% of that gain was lost in a few days since the strike threat or warning.
IMPACT has previously accused management of introducing demanding new rosters in breach of agreements and before an arbitration process was complete. The union has also said it does not intend to take strike action or cause disruption to customers.
