In a statement People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny has called on Aer Lingus to confirm that it is complying with the wage subsidy scheme which provides protect for the income of workers during the Covid-19 crisis. The Wage Subsidy Scheme provides a subsidy of 70% of the net income of each employee up to a maximum of €410 per week.
He said:
“I have been contacted by a number of constituents who work in Aer Lingus who are very unhappy about the manner in which the company is operating the wage subsidy scheme. In a letter to employees the company has said that all employees’ hours and salaries are being cut by 50% and that:
‘The payment you will receive in your payslip / your pay during this period will reflect the entire subsidy received. In addition to the subsidy, you will also receive a top-up gross payment from Aer Lingus. The combined subsidy and top up payment will ensure you receive at least 50% of your basic pay.’
It appears that the wage subsidy is being applied only to half the salary of the employees. This is not in compliance with the scheme which provides for the subsidy to be applied to the: ‘Average Net Weekly Pay for January and February 2020 based on payroll submissions made to Revenue by the employer by 15 March 2020.’
“I am calling on Aer Lingus to immediately confirm that the scheme is being applied to the full salary of employees”.
