Labour Court upholds recommendation on Aer Lingus supervisor appointments

In 1994, the Labour Court rejected SIPTU’s appeal and upheld the recommendation that the union accept the workers selected for two Duty Supervisor posts at Aer Lingus. The Court signed its decision on 13 May 1994. The dispute followed a restructuring of the Aircraft Cleaning Section, which combined Duty Controller and Foreman functions in a new Grade D role. SIPTU argued that two workers who had held Cleaning Controller roles should not have had to apply for the posts. Aer Lingus said the new role involved more direct supervision of ramp operations and that Grade D promotions were made through advertised competition. The Court said the claimants had been on a lower grade and pay scale than the Foreman, so the vacancy was appropriately advertised and they had to apply in the normal way. It acknowledged their concern about losing status after not being selected and their previous job being abolished.