Aer Lingus pilots consider continuing work stoppages

A union committee is due to meet on Friday to decide whether to give the green light to a new work stoppage by Aer Lingus pilots in Ireland.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ reports that the recommendation for further strike action was made by the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) on Thursday, after negotiations between it and Aer Lingus to resolve the ongoing pay dispute failed no result.

The airline issued an invitation to IALPA for negotiations on Wednesday after pilots began an indefinite work-to-rule strike, meaning they are not working overtime or performing other duties outside of working hours.

An eight-hour strike, from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time, is planned for Saturday.

IALPA is demanding a 24% salary increase for its members.

IALPA has recommended to the Fórsa union that the additional strike be longer than the action planned for Saturday, RTÉ reported.

If sanctioned, Fórsa will have to give seven days’ notice to Aer Lingus before pilots can stop working.

Aer Lingus has described the possibility of further strike action as completely inappropriate, RTÉ reported, after the employment tribunal ordered earlier this week that the dispute not escalate.

On Thursday, the two sides met for face-to-face discussions.

However, they did not reach an agreement.

IALPA president Captain Mark Tighe confirmed negotiations had “failed”.

Captain Tighe said at Thursday’s meeting that the union had moved from its inflation figure of nearly 24 percent.

However, he added:

“The company has not changed its mind on its statement that more than 12.25% should be funded by the pilots’ own payments as part of their professional practice.”

How many Aer Lingus flights have been cancelled?

The total number of flights cancelled due to the current strike, Aer Lingus said, stands at 270.

All Aer Lingus UK regional flights, operated by Emerald Airlines, as well as Aer Lingus UK transatlantic flights to and from Manchester will operate as scheduled.

In a statement, the airline said: “Aer Lingus will continue to focus on minimising disruption to customers caused by IALPA’s industrial action.”

The airline said it had “made it clear that it remains available for discussions both directly and through state industrial relations.”

Aer Lingus called on IALPA to “consider the damage its continued industrial action is inflicting on passengers, the airline and the Irish economy”.

A full list of cancelled flights up to and including 2 July is available on the airline’s website.

He said: “The nature of this industrial action may result in further cancellations and delays and we will communicate directly with affected customers as soon as possible.”

How much are Aer Lingus pilots paid?

Co-pilots can start at around €36,000 (£30,400), with packages increasing based on actual flying hours.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that a captain at the top of the ladder could be paid around €287,000 (£242,000).

Captain Mark Tighe explained Thursday that it could take up to 26 years.

There are differences for pilots depending on whether the flights are short or long haul.

What should I do if my Aer Lingus flight is cancelled?

The airline said passengers booked for flights between June 26 and July 2 had a number of options.

Everyone must be contacted by email or SMS, or through their travel agent.

For customers who have booked directly with Aer Lingus, it is possible to change their flight online.

The company said it will waive the fare difference and any change fees if rebooked for a later date.

There is also the option to request a full refund or a refund voucher, usable within five years.

Aer Lingus said passengers who booked through a travel agency or third party should contact those companies directly.

“Unfortunately, Aer Lingus is unable to provide direct assistance in these cases,” Aer Lingus emphasizes on its website.