Labour Court recommends 5% rise for Aer Lingus staff

The Labour Court recommended a 5% pay increase for Aer Lingus ground staff and cabin crew in the 26th wage-round dispute. The recommendation, signed on 26 June 1987, concerned about 3,500 workers. The parties named were Aer Lingus and the Automobile General Engineering and Mechanical Operatives' Union, the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union, the Amalgamated Engineering Union, the Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbing Union, the Electrical Trades Union, the Federated Workers Union of Irealnd, the Institute of Engineers of Ireland, the National Engineering and Electrical Trade Union, the National Union of Journalists, the National Union of Sheet Metal Workers of Ireland, and the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians. The unions sought a 15% increase over 18 months, a shorter working week, more annual leave and a company holiday on 1 May. Aer Lingus cited weaker revenue, competition and planned fleet investment. The unions said the company remained profitable and workers had cooperated with cost-cutting and staff reductions. The Court recommended a 5% increase from the expiry of the previous agreement for 15 months. It did not recommend conceding the other claims.