The Unite union is balloting its Aer Lingus members working out of Manchester over potential strike action after the IAG-owned carrier last week confirmed it was halting sales of tickets for travel on its three Manchester long-haul routes beyond 31 March.
Unite said the base supported 200 jobs, including 130 members of cabin crew. Last year, Aer Lingus told staff it was weighing up the "long-term viability" of its Manchester operation, with options including "the possibility of closure".
Agents last week told TTG of their anger at how Aer Lingus has handled the situation, claiming that they have already been having to deal with a "chaotic" mix of flight changes and cancellations. "They've thrown us under the bus a little bit," said one agent.
Unite said Aer Lingus's decision to stop selling tickets for its New York JFK, Orlando and Barbados routes out of Manchester "had left workers with no clarity on the future of their jobs".
The union claims the base is profitable, citing Aer Lingus's own disclosures, and that the Irish carrier has not honoured its attempts to engage as it seeks the rationale for its action at Manchester and the specific financials underpinning it.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "This is a profitable base and Aer Lingus’ plans to close it amounts to simple economic vandalism, while showing a complete disregard for its loyal workforce."
The union is seeking "a proper timeline" from Aer Lingus and what ending the routes would mean for workers. A strike ballot will close on 26 January, which could result in walkouts in late-February.
John O'Neill, Unite regional officer, added: "Unite has made it very clear to Aer Lingus that if it is talking about the possibility of closure it must give us proper information, rather than hiding from us. No stone must be left unturned in pursuing all options in keeping the base operational and preserving jobs.
"Unite will not back down from this crisis without a fight and we are confident a strong ballot result will show this."
