Aer Lingus pilots’ union, IALPA, repeated its warning of the possibility of an all-out strike as the ongoing pay dispute continues, after serving notice that led to the cancellation of 220 flights affecting 30,000 passengers.
The dispute revolves around a 24pc pay rise demanded by pilots, which the airline deems unrealistic, with an open-ended work-to-rule starting on Wednesday and a strike on Saturday affecting 15,000 passengers.
Aer Lingus has asked pilots for meaningful discussions to resolve the issue but states that IALPA has refused to engage in discussions on increasing pilot pay beyond the 12.25pc raise agreed with other collectively bargained groups.
IALPA president Mark Tighe accused Aer Lingus of being aggressive and engaging in intimidating tactics, such as setting up a pilot sickness review committee not in agreements and contacting pilots believed to be excessively sick, leading to 14 flight cancellations in one day, primarily to city destinations.
