Aer Lingus staff seek equal pay

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Aer Lingus's Northern Ireland employees will not work for cheaper rates than their southern colleagues, a leading union has warned.

Aer Lingus pilots are to strike over plans to pay Belfast staff less.

Jimmy Kelly of Unite said: "We have organised workers already in the airports, improving pay and conditions.

"We are not accepting that when Aer Lingus comes in to Belfast our members will work at any cheaper rates than would apply in Shannon."

Aer Lingus's plans to transfer Shannon Airport's London Heathrow service to Belfast International may be blocked.

Ryanair has a 25% stake in Aer Lingus, and its chief executive wants an extraordinary general meeting where it could use its vote to oppose the plans.

Michael O'Leary said both Shannon and Belfast could still have London flights if Aer Lingus transferred its Dublin- Gatwick service north to Belfast.

Meanwhile, with 500 Aer Lingus pilots set to refuse to fly next Tuesday and Wednesday all routes will be affected.

The airline last week announced 100 new jobs at Belfast International Airport, but employees will not be paid the same rates as staff in the Irish Republic.

Ryanair owns a 25% stake in Aer Lingus

Michael Landers of the union Impact said the strike action was important.

But Aer Lingus Chief Executive Dermot Mannion said the company had already checked the legality of its policy.

It is understood Aer Lingus is seeking to recruit up to 30 pilots for its Belfast operation, as part of a £100m investment.

The move has sparked protests in the Irish Republic, with fears of job losses at Shannon.

More than 50% of Aer Lingus is owned by Ryanair, the Irish State and the unions.

Ryanair has promised three additional flights from Shannon to various London airports if Aer Lingus closes the Heathrow route.

Many Northern Ireland people will be affected by next week's strike.

Doreen McKenzie of ABTA said: "We have just received notification from Aer Lingus that people can go to their website and under 'manage my booking' they can be allowed to change next Tuesday or Wednesday's flight without incurring an amendment fee charge."