Refunds offered as in-flight meals hit new low
12 October 2000
Irish airline Aer Lingus has said it will refund part of the fare to passengers who were given in-flight sandwiches when catering staff walked out in protest over low pay.
After the walkout, which lasted six hours, the chefs, catering assistants and clearance workers joined together to march around the airport terminal in Dublin.
Aer Lingus pays IR£5.40 (£4.13) an hour to its lower-grade catering workers. A McDonald's restaurant at the airport pays IR£6.50 (£4.97), according to Ireland's Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, one of two unions involved.
Aer Lingus has, following the protests, withdrawn the flight concessions it gave its 400 catering staff.
