Aer Lingus has made a deal to outsource its catering division at Dublin Airport to Dubai National Air Transport Association (DNATA).
Owned by the Emirates Group, DNATA is a major airport services company.
The Irish Independent quotes an Aer Lingus spokesperson as saying, "Following extensive engagement with employees in our catering department, staff representatives and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), agreement was reached in February to partner with a new supplier for our catering operation. In line with that agreement, DNATA will commence provision of catering services for Aer Lingus as planned in June."
Employee Options
Under the WRC agreement, staff can avail of transfer of undertakings to transfer to DNATA, retaining their current terms and conditions with the exception of pension arrangements, or they can work under a secondment arrangement, whereby they remain employed by Aer Lingus but work directly for DNATA.
Staff who choose to work under a secondment arrangement will be required to agree to new work practices and methods, and to day-to-day management, by DNATA.
According to The Irish Independent, a document prepared following the WRC discussion stated, "It is understood by the parties that the future headcount structure under the new supplier is expected to be similar to the current Aer Lingus structure. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to expect the work organisation to be different as the new supplier will surely implement its 'way of doing things'."
Employees who do not want to work under the new regime can opt for voluntary severance or redeployment within the airline.
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