Aer Lingus has warned cabin crew they face lay-offs and a pay freeze until at least 2025 after union members rejected a restructuring deal.

In a letter to all cabin crew, the airline said it has begun an immediate review of their terms and conditions and crew bases.

Earlier this week, Aer Lingus cabin crew members voted to reject a restructuring deal, describing it as an erosion of terms and conditions.

Earlier today the company sent a letter to cabin staff warning that it was pressing ahead with the changes.

Lay-offs

The voluntary redundancy scheme for cabin crew staff has ceased and there will be an imminent requirement for temporary lay-offs for the 120-130 Cabin Service Managers

Those lay-offs will likely continue well into 2022 and Aer Lingus says it's likely other grades will be laid-off early next year.

Aer Lingus had previously said most cabin crew staff would have 80% of their pre-pandemic work hours back by Christmas, but the airline is now saying this will be closer to 60% for Cabin Crew Managers who aren't laid off.

Pay

The letter also warns cabin crew that they will not receive any pay increases until at least 2025.

There will also be changes to their model of commission and rules around lieu days.

Ballot

The trade union Fórsa said it was considering its next steps, with a spokesperson urging Aer Lingus to "work towards a recovery in the airline industry with - and not against - its staff".

It said the proposals rejected by cabin crew this week “had not been negotiated or agreed with the union.”

“The result of the ballot is not a great surprise given that Aer Lingus cabin crew have been on massively reduced earnings and working time for 18 months and that the package put forward by airline management solely consists of further erosions of their terms and conditions,” said the spokesperson.

“The outcome underlines the widespread view among cabin crew that company management is not listening to their concerns at a time when they are struggling to pay mortgages, rent and other bills.”

Pandemic

Aer Lingus said the proposed structural changes "clearly outlined the serious challenges facing the business and the changes to pay and work practices necessary to deal with the situation".

It said it has engaged extensively with the Cabin Crew Committee about the “urgent need for structural and sustainable change” since the pandemic began.

It said it has been clear with staff members about the “profound effect the pandemic has had”.