Skip to content
Support Us

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Why we cannot co-operate with the new rosters

Aer Lingus cabin crew member Daniel Browne explains what working the new rosters implemented by management would mean to him and his colleagues.

I KNOW THAT some of you may or may not agree with what my colleagues and I are involved in, with regards to the dispute between cabin crew and management of Aer Lingus.

I can assure you all that IMPACT, the union representing the cabin crew currently involved in this dispute, and all of the cabin crew would like to see a speedy and happy resolution to the uncertainty that many of the traveling public have had to deal with over the last several days.

The reason why I am writing this is to show you – the public and our passengers – why we are where we are today.

Since October, IMPACT served on Aer Lingus notice of industrial action, which was the beginning of our work to rule.

This meant that, starting from 13 October 2010, the members of IMPACT cabin crew would follow directives from the union to adopt from then on – all of which were in our contract.

This continued for a good number of weeks without disruption to passengers’ travel plans.

Then on 17 January 2011, Aer Lingus published a new four week roster with unilateral changes and rules imposed upon its cabin crew.

So how is it possible for cabin crew to work within their contractual duties for 15 weeks or so, and not have flights cancelled, or cause disruption to passengers – yet when management inflicts what we believe are unfair, unworkable and discriminatory rosters on its staff, flights have been cancelled wholesale?

The company has picked a time of year when passenger numbers are typically at their quietest, for a majority of airlines – not just Aer Lingus.

There is not one valid reason for any of the flights that have been cancelled have to have been cancelled; certainly not because of an issue with cabin crew. We were all available and willing to work, but to work within our contract.

But the company decided this is not the way it wanted to operate, and unfortunately for passengers, flights were cancelled because the company turned people away who are willing and able to work.

So why we have reached the very difficult situation we are in?

The company claims that the roster changes they imposed are the only way in which flying hours of 850 per year can be achieved. Yet under the existing working conditions of cabin crew, agreed under the binding arbitration, the hours have increased from an average of 700 hours to 830 hours per year.

But it’s not just about the number of hours. This is what else the changes mean in practice:

  • Meal break entitlements have been removed from ALL European flights, which can go up to 11 hours (without delays)
  • Double shifts to the continent, i.e Dublin – Paris return then back out again to do a Dublin – Amsterdam, again not accounting for delays. Previously, doubles would usually consist of a continental European flight, and a shorter UK flight, or just two UK return flights – for example double London Heathrow or Manchester
  • Changing of duty by 3 hours on the day. Imagine arriving in work at 5am to be told you are now on a flight that departs 3 hours later and finishing 3 hours later than you had been planned for. How are parents supposed to cope with the stress and disruption to that kind of change on a daily basis?
  • Changing of duty by 4 hours the day before a planned duty .
  • Our right to request ONE weekend in every EIGHT has been removed
  • The minimum amount of days off in a rostered month has been reduced from 8 to 7.  So effectively, we work four normal five day weeks, and one six day week.
  • 26 day tour of duty: try to arrange care for family or change any commitments for this amount of time, and then only to have 2 days rest when you return.
  • Rest period after a transatlantic flight has been halved from 24 to just 12 hours; effectively meaning that crew can do an outbound flight to New York, for example, and then operate the return flight home to Dublin that same day.

These are just some of the changes that Aer Lingus wants to bring in to effect on the new rosters. This dispute is about fairness and quality of a work / life balance which is what was promised and agreed upon.

How is this in any way fair?

I am proud to put on my uniform and fly the flag for this country, and for Aer Lingus. That to me is what we do best. It is what we have won awards for year after year. It is what keeps our passengers flying with us for so long.

If the new rosters are fully implemented, then it will be the end of the Aer Lingus you all know and love. The airline’s award winning crew will be a thing of the past – and in my opinion it will be the end of Aer Lingus.

What Aer Lingus is doing flies in the face of  its publicly published letter to the public, which stated:

We believe our Cabin Crew are amongst the best in the world. They provide an excellent service to you our customers and have done so throughout our 75 year history, as ambassadors for the airline, and indeed for Ireland. Our cabin crew deserve appreciation from the company for their flexibility and dedication and I would like to publicly thank them for all they have done to keep the shamrock flying proudly throughout the globe for many years.

Where is the appreciation to us for keeping the shamrock flying?

Daniel Browne is a cabin crew member with Aer Lingus.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 99 comments
Close
99 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chett Richards
    Favourite Chett Richards
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 5:46 PM

    Unthinkable situation to be in. Hope they’re saved!

    140
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keith Lenihan
    Favourite Keith Lenihan
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 5:49 PM

    We’ve come to the point where it’s acceptable to count down possibly peoples last hours. How did we get to this level of voyeurism?

    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chett Richards
    Favourite Chett Richards
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 5:52 PM

    @Keith Lenihan: Sadly, true. There are people out there joking about this situation. Namely on those toxic Social Media Apps. Deplorable.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mixterz
    Favourite mixterz
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 5:57 PM

    @Chett Richards: They’ll be in jail soon. Then you will be in a safe place.

    26
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chett Richards
    Favourite Chett Richards
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 5:59 PM

    @mixterz: Who will be in jail??

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Roy Dowling
    Favourite Roy Dowling
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:37 PM

    @Keith Lenihan: I’m genuinely surprised there isn’t a live countdown timer to when they run out of oxygen

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kenmark
    Favourite Kenmark
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:05 PM

    It’s a very difficult time for all concerned, particularly the families and the unfortunate passengers on board. I do hope for a miracle and that all will be reunited.

    Above said, we need to leave the Titanic and her lost souls alone to rest. Money/greed and an insatiable appetite to interfere with a final resting place has come back to bite 5 unfortunate people in that sub.

    Leave well enough alone!

    78
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean O'Dhubhghaill
    Favourite Sean O'Dhubhghaill
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:11 PM

    @Kenmark: People died on Titanic. People died in the Coliseum. Can both be tourist attractions?

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Angler
    Favourite Johnny Angler
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:02 PM

    Unfortunately their survival chances are zero at this stage, even if they are discovered now. The time taken to get a vessel capable of lifting them to the surface, along with the slow ascend to the surface to allow their bodies to adjust to surface pressure will take more time than the available oxygen. I really hope I’m proven wrong.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Roj Blake
    Favourite Roj Blake
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:10 PM

    @Johnny Angler: the vessel is kept at 1 atmosphere, so there is no need to decompression

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian
    Favourite Brian
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:00 PM

    @Chett Richards: You’re right about that. Social media is an absolute sewer. It amazes me how low people can sink these days.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chett Richards
    Favourite Chett Richards
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:34 PM

    @Brian: I like to think I have a very agreeable opinion Brian. One based on logic and critical thinking rather than blind emotions.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian MacCarthaigh
    Favourite Brian MacCarthaigh
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 7:43 PM

    @Brian: 3000 meters apparently : (

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Garvey
    Favourite Eddie Garvey
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:09 PM

    This is tasteless to be posting headlines like this to gain readership on the back of what’s happened to those poor people. We know they are in a dire situation or worse, it’s been reported here already, thanks for informing us, please stop this “countdown to people’s death” voyeurism as already commented on for no other purpose but to get readers and generate advertising revenue, it’s frankly disgusting. If there is more news or a genuine need for an article on the topic that’s journalism, this isn’t that.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JamRag
    Favourite JamRag
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:14 PM

    Way more money than sense

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry Lehane
    Favourite Barry Lehane
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:42 PM

    @JamRag: You know them personally you do? So anyone that’s ever died adventuring or exploring has been lacking sense have they? Educate yourself about the people in that sub and have a bit of respect.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute offside again
    Favourite offside again
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 10:07 PM

    It’s a dreadful situation. Reality is boats sink and people drown. What seems to be the case here; is that the boat was not suitable.
    If they ever got to see the Titanic ; well … that must make for some moments of reflection if they’re still alive. No disrespect intended

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anna Carr (Morrigan_Dubh)
    Favourite Anna Carr (Morrigan_Dubh)
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 9:46 PM

    The sea should be respected for the powerful force it is. Every now and again, she likes to remind those with no respect. Again I say, leave the dead to rest, leave Titanic alone. Those 5 people are now learning the hard way. I’m sorry, but greed begets greed begets karma

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry Lehane
    Favourite Barry Lehane
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 10:07 PM

    @Anna Carr (Morrigan_Dubh): Era for flip sake! Is everyone meant to just stop living and being adventurous now? It was an accident. If we lived by that nonsense the world would be dreadfully boring! Nobody would take risks to invent, explore, adventure and look to the future. Just put it down as an accident and get a grip.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anna Carr (Morrigan_Dubh)
    Favourite Anna Carr (Morrigan_Dubh)
    Report
    Jun 22nd 2023, 12:13 AM

    @Barry Lehane: I don’t feel that way. I feel the arrogance of human nature, thinking it can override mother nature is a big mistake, as has been proven by many deaths over the centuries of your version of exploration and adventure.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute david finglas
    Favourite david finglas
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 8:13 PM

    This is what happens when you’ve more money than sense ,,

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry Lehane
    Favourite Barry Lehane
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 9:29 PM

    @david finglas: Wow. You’re only the 700th person on here to say that senseless comment. Well done.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute david finglas
    Favourite david finglas
    Report
    Jun 21st 2023, 6:56 PM

    Hope one of them brought a spliff might as well go out on a high

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute smatrix mantra
    Favourite smatrix mantra
    Report
    Jun 22nd 2023, 4:47 PM

    If they’d produce “SOS” in Morse code I’d agree there is still a chance. And I’d think this to be the standard beacon to use also in subs. But producing just “banging”, I’m not so sure.

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds