Stobart Air dispute could hit Aer Lingus regional services

A dispute over trade union recognition at Stobart Air could affect Aer Lingus regional flights. Cabin crew directly employed by Stobart Air, which operates Aer Lingus regional services between the Republic and provincial British airports, are balloting for industrial action. According to trade union Fórsa the ballot would give them a legal mandate for industrial action should Stobart discipline any staff member for joining the union or taking part in a dispute. Stobart Air crew are balloting over the airline’s refusal to recognise Fórsa and negotiate with the union on staff pay and working conditions. Fórsa said that cabin crew rejected recent pay proposal from the company by a margin of two to one as it fell short airline industry norms. Union official Ashley Connolly maintained that Stobart cabin crew were annoyed at the company’s refusal to deal with the union.<br/>