Varadkar calls for end to ‘unnecessary’ strike threat at Aer Lingus

The Transport Minister has urged SIPTU, Aer Lingus and the country’s airports to reach a quick deal over a pensions dispute.
SIPTU is balloting members over whether to pursue industrial action over a deficit in the pension scheme shared by Aer Lingus and the three major airports.
The Minister says any disruption to air travel – especially during the Six Nations and St. Patrick’s Day – would be damaging to the country.
He says all sides know what the likely outcome will be, so the parties should skip a strike and reach a deal now.
“The problem in the pension fund is like the problem in so many pension funds – the amount of money paid in by the compnay and the members over the years doesn’t match the promises that were given, or the expectations that now currently exist” he said.
“So the solution’s a simple one – the companies will have to put in more money, ad the pensioners and members will have to accept reduced benefits”.
“That solution will be arrived at at some point, so ideally let’s avoid a strike that is unnecessary in the meantime” he added.