Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
845. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had direct engagement with the management of a company (details supplied) concerning the restructuring of the company which was announced unilaterally without consultation or communication with the trade unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8928/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra956. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request a company (details supplied) to engage with employees and unions before deciding on restructuring plans and to place employee rights and welfare at the centre of future restructuring plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9261/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra982. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage on behalf of the employees of a company (details supplied) regarding the company’s intentions to unilaterally move forward with the restructuring up to and including lay-offs following the unprecedented events of Covid-19; if it will be ensured workers and their rights are protected and that workers’ rights legislation is upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9642/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 845, 956 and 982 together.
My Department has maintained regular contact with key aviation stakeholders, including Aer Lingus, since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
The Government has brought forward a series of measures to support all businesses impacted by COVID-19. These include the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Pandemic Unemployment Benefit, and the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.
I understand that Aer Lingus is engaging with their employeees and representative bodies regarding the urgent requirement to reduce costs across its business, given the dramatic decline in demand for travel in the immediate term and the uncertainty regarding future travel demand.
Industrial relations are a matter for the airline and its employees and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has no role in relation to such matters. The industrial relations machinery of the State would be availabe to assist all parties reach agreement should the need arise.
