7 october 2009
Sargent Concerned over News of Potential Job Losses in Aer Lingus
Reacting to news that up to 676 jobs may be lost at Aer Lingus between now and 2011, Minister Sargent said “I am gravely concerned at news that so many jobs could be lost in Aer Lingus. This would represent a severe blow to the local economy and impact on a great number of families.”
“I understand that the airline will need to reduce its operating costs by up to €100 million to remain competitive and I hope that this can be achieved with the minimum of job losses. Let us hope that these can be achieved on a voluntary basis. The management and staff will need to work together to develop efficient, streamlined and commercially sound methods of operating. In this challenging economic environment, Aer Lingus is not alone in having to face up to major change. We all must look to efficient, sustainable means of working and living. I hope that the negotiations about to begin will result in a viable airline business based on sound commercial principles and operating in an efficient and competitive manner.”
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