The Workplace Relations Commission found that Aer Lingus unlawfully deducted Tara Fennell’s wages when her salary was reduced during the pandemic, but directed the airline to pay no award. The decision, dated 10 August 2023, said a nil award was equitable in the circumstances.
Fennell said her pay was cut first to 50% and then to 30% without negotiation, and argued that the further reduction was retaliation for union activity. Aer Lingus said the lower rate followed the expiry of a temporary arrangement and the failure to reach a collective debt agreement by a deadline. The WRC accepted that explanation for the further cut.
The complaint was well founded under the Payment of Wages Act, which protects workers from unlawful deductions. The WRC also rejected Fennell’s claim that Aer Lingus caused an unwarranted delay in helping staff access social welfare payments, finding the issues were complex and that the airline had followed state advice.