Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has rejected claims made by US Congressman Peter De Fazio that Norwegian Airlines Ireland is attempting to sidestep labour laws.
De Fazio had previously written to the European Commission outlining his objections to the operation of proposed new transatlantic flights from Cork and Shannon to Boston, operated by Irish-based airline Norwegian Air.
The Oregon-based Democrat claimed that Ireland was being used to allow Norwegian Airlines to sidestep labour laws and hire low-paid crew and pilots under Asian contracts.
“I utterly refute the allegations that Norwegian Airlines is using Ireland as a flag of convenience to employ low-paid crew and to undermine working conditions for cabin crew working for other transatlantic airlines,” said Clune. “Some US politicians, certain unions and a number of legacy airlines carriers are attempting to block new competition on the transatlantic routes.”
Comparing opposition to the routes to that which faced Ryanair when it sought out a license to fly to the UK in 1986, the MEP also pointed to the economic benefits the extra flights would bring to the region. “Granting NAI the license to fly between Cork/Shannon and the US would have an enormously positive impact on Southern Ireland.
“These routes will bring more tourists, open up more investment and create a direct link between Ireland South and the US. I remember the same opposition to Ryanair when they sought a license in 1986 from some politicians and unions – largely to protect Aer Lingus. Look at the impact that Ryanair have had on the EU aviation market, employing some 10,000 people and opening up air travel to millions to Europeans.”
Responding directly to De Fazio’s claims that Norwegian Airlines were attempting to sidestep labour laws, Clunes said, “NAI are fully compliant with employment and social requirements of Irish Labour Laws that are guided by the European Union. Furthermore, NAI have given a commitment to employ only EU and US pilots and crew on these routes. I invited Bjorn Kjos, founder and CEO of Norwegian Air, to the European Parliament back in April to discuss Norwegians flights from Cork and Shannon.”
“He assured me of Norwegians commitment to developing routes in Cork and Shannon and also in relation to employing only EU and US pilots and crew. Safety oversight will be provided to the highest standard by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), which is satisfied that NAI is a completely stand-alone airline, with all safety-accountable officers responsible for ensuring the safe operation of NAI based in Dublin.
“Its Air Operator Certificate was issued in February 2014 by the IAA, as well as its operating licence, which was granted by the Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation.”
The Member of European Parliament concluded by calling for support from current TDs, “I am calling on Irish politicians to get behind the new route and put as much pressure to the US authorities as possible to resist the efforts of some in the US who are opposed to competition, progress and efficiency.”
