Concern for Cork jobs following announcement of airline job cuts

People in Cork employed in the aviation industry are “deeply worried” following the announcement by two Irish airlines that job cuts are on the way.

Aer Lingus is seeking to cut 900 jobs, while Ryanair have warned of 3,000 job cuts across Europe Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has expressed concern at the announcements, and has urged the Department of Social Protection and of Business to ensure every support is available to affected workers.

"There are many families in Cork who are deeply worried that they could be out of work, due to announced Job losses at both Ryanair and Aer Lingus.

"There are thousands of people employed in the aviation industry in Cork and the surrounding areas. Many will have been concerned in recent weeks, their fears have been realised today,” Deputy Ó Laoghaire said.

He has urged the companies involved to engage with unions, and said that every action to prevent job losses must be taken.

“It cannot be taken for granted that these jobs losses are inevitable, the companies should put their workers before large profit margins at a time like this,” he said.

“The pandemic is having an enormous impact on travel and aviation - but Cork will still need air travel when this is all over, and these workers and families will need jobs. I urge the Government to start planning for the future.

“The Department must engage with aviation staff, and all stakeholders to develop a roadmap for what the future of Irish aviation will be, and to safeguard workers incomes and rights,” Deputy Ó Laoghaire added.