Aer Lingus to Close Manchester Base, Putting Over 200 Jobs at Risk

Aer Lingus, the Irish national airline, has issued a redundancy notice to over 200 staff members at Manchester Airport, according to union Unite. The notice includes 150 cabin crew members, who are currently involved in industrial action over a pay dispute.

Cabin crew members have voted for additional strikes, but Unite has offered to suspend any future action in order to negotiate with Aer Lingus on the future of the Manchester base. The airline has begun consultation processes with unions, stating that the Manchester long-haul operating margin performance is significantly lower than its Irish counterpart.

Aer Lingus launched its long-haul flights from Manchester in 2021, including routes to New York JFK, Barbados, Orlando, Dublin, and Belfast. However, the company has stated that its Manchester long-haul operating margin performance “continues to significantly lag behind” that of its Irish counterpart.

Unite has expressed concern over the potential closure of the Manchester base, stating that it would have a significant impact on workers, their families, and the local community. The union has requested all the required information from the company, including a full business rationale, Manchester-specific financials, and timelines, but has not received a satisfactory response.

In a statement, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that it is “outrageous” for a profitable airline like Aer Lingus to propose closing its base and putting hundreds of jobs at risk. Unite is focused on saving jobs and is calling on Aer Lingus to work with them in good faith.

Aer Lingus has acknowledged that this is an uncertain and difficult time for their colleagues in Manchester and has promised to communicate with them and provide support. However, the company has stated that the consultation process will explore all options, including the possibility of a base closure.

The closure of the Manchester base would mean the loss of long-haul flights to Disney World in Orlando. Unite has called on Aer Lingus to provide a rationale for their decision and engage in meaningful consultation with their employees. The union is prepared to pause further industrial action to create space for this consultation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Aer Lingus confirmed that the Manchester long-haul operating margin performance is significantly lower than their Irish counterpart and that they are considering the long-term viability of the Manchester base. The company has promised to work closely with employees and keep them informed and supported during this uncertain time.

The potential closure of the Manchester base has caused distress and anxiety among Aer Lingus employees, who have acted professionally and deserve answers from their employer. Unite is focused on saving jobs and is calling on Aer Lingus to do the right thing and work with them in good faith.