DUBLIN- Aer Lingus (EI) has denied that a senior flight attendant’s position as a trade union shop steward played any role in the airline’s decision to confirm his dismissal.
The case is currently being heard at Ireland’s Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), where the dismissed crew member has filed a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977.
The flight attendant, Alan O’Neill, was terminated in 2024 following findings of gross misconduct over his alleged behaviour towards a passenger on a delayed Marseille (MRS) to Dublin (DUB) flight in April 2024.
O’Neill, who also served as a shop steward for the trade union Fórsa, has challenged the dismissal through both internal appeal and the WRC proceedings.
Aer Lingus Flight Attendant Dismissal Incident
Marie Walsh, Aer Lingus (EI) manager for customer and on-board service, testified at the WRC hearing on Tuesday. Walsh, a former senior flight attendant herself, confirmed that she upheld O’Neill’s dismissal on appeal. When asked directly whether O’Neill’s role as a union activist or representative influenced her decision, Walsh responded with a firm denial.
The airline’s counsel, Tom Mallon, appearing instructed by Katie Rooney of Arthur Cox, addressed specific grounds of appeal raised on O’Neill’s behalf by Fórsa.
The appeal document alleged that there had been a clear departure from standard industrial relations practice and that O’Neill had been penalised for his activities as a trade union representative.
Walsh acknowledged her awareness of O’Neill’s role as a Fórsa shop steward and confirmed she had previously invited him to meetings in that capacity. Despite this working relationship, she maintained his union position had no bearing on her decision.
Details of the Onboard Incident
The misconduct allegations stem from a delayed Aer Lingus (EI) flight from Marseille (MRS) to Dublin (DUB) in April 2024. O’Neill was accused of refusing to allow a male passenger in his 30s to use the bathroom for up to 45 minutes after takeoff.
According to the Irish Times, the length of time the passenger had to wait remains a central point of dispute in the case.
O’Neill’s legal team contests the timeline and argues he was following standard operating procedures while the pilots had the fasten seat belt sign illuminated.
O’Neill told his superiors that he was under personal strain at the time and that the passenger had triggered him by swearing when initially refused access to the lavatory.
Another flight attendant testified that the passenger was reduced to tears by the time he was able to use the bathroom, which occurred when the aircraft was approximately halfway through the return journey from the south of France to Dublin (DUB).
Walsh Criticises Handling of the Situation
Walsh was direct in her assessment of the onboard events. She stated that what happened on the flight should never have occurred and emphasised that O’Neill held authority over the cabin. She noted there were multiple opportunities to de-escalate the situation and to advise the passenger that the lavatory was available.
Walsh also highlighted complaints from surrounding passengers who witnessed the exchange. One passenger reportedly told a colleague of O’Neill’s that she felt intimidated by the situation. Walsh stated clearly that this type of treatment does not reflect how the airline expects its customers to be handled.
The incident extended beyond the flight itself. Walsh testified that the confrontation escalated over the course of nearly three hours, both in the air and on the ground at Dublin Airport (DUB). O’Neill and the passenger encountered each other again outside Terminal 2, where a further exchange of words took place.
WRC Hearing Continues
The case is being heard by WRC adjudicator Michael MacNamee. Aer Lingus (EI) is currently presenting its defence against O’Neill’s unfair dismissal complaint. The hearing has been adjourned overnight and is expected to continue in the coming days.
The outcome will determine whether O’Neill’s termination met the legal standards set out under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 or whether his union activities were a contributing factor in the airline’s decision.
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