Aer Lingus management are to meet with the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) to avert a strike while pilots continue to ballot for possible industrial action.
Aer Lingus accused the pilot union of pressuring the company with the threat of industrial action during the peak summer season.
IALPA president, Mark Tighe, says that a 23.8pc pay increase over three years is justified, citing the profitability of Aer Lingus and the need to bring pilot salaries in line with competitors.
Aer Lingus say the consequences of potential strike action could be fatal for the airline. Aer Lingus COO Adrian Dunne said in a letter to pilots: “In considering your vote in this ballot, any fears you may have about perceived effects of voting against your union leadership should be allayed. Over the years, many of you have been afforded the opportunity to vote on various proposals agreed between the company and your union. However, we would suggest that this vote is likely to be the most critical vote you will ever be asked to participate in over the course of your career with Aer Lingus. It is clear that the IALPA leadership have steadfastly pursued a strategy from the beginning of these pay talks to arrive at this point with a ballot for industrial action with the objective of putting maximum pressure on Aer Lingus to meet their demands at the peak of summer. IALPA’s failure to engage in a responsible manner in both direct discussions and in the various independent processes, creates a real risk for investment, growth, and jobs in the airline now and into the future.”
