Aer Lingus pilots to announce results of strike ballot

The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association will announce the results of a new ballot of pilots at Aer Lingus which could result in strike action at the airline as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

Last week, IALPA members voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, via electronic ballot.

Aer Lingus raised a question about the validity of the electronic poll.

IALPA said there was no question about the integrity of the vote, but rather than spending weeks in court arguing about it, the union instead conducted a paper ballot over the weekend.

Pilots have been voting at polling stations in Dublin and Co Cork since Friday morning and the ballot will close later this morning.

The result is due to be announced later today.

On Friday, Aer Lingus expressed concerns about the speed at which the in-person ballot was being conducted and said it may communicate these concerns to IALPA.

The airline said it had queried the validity of the original electronic ballot, having regard to the statutory requirements for secrecy and the provisions of the IALPA constitution.

Aer Lingus has asked IALPA for at least 15 days notice if pilots are planning to strike. The union is required to give a minimum of seven days notice.

IALPA has claimed that 15 days would allow Aer Lingus to avoid paying compensation to passengers, but the airline said it is seeking the additional time to minimise the impact on customers.

Talks end without agreement

Talks between management and pilots at Aer Lingus ended without agreement on Thursday evening.

IALPA members have voted overwhelmingly to reject a Labour Court recommendation that pilots should receive pay increases totaling 9.25% as part of an interim settlement.

The figure was well below the 23.8% that the pilots had been seeking.

Aer Lingus has described the level of increases being demanded as exorbitant, outrageous and untenable.

IALPA said previous pay offers do not reflect the impact of inflation, the large profits made by Aer Lingus, or the sacrifices made by pilots during the pandemic to save the company.

Aer Lingus has accused IALPA of failing to engage in various independent processes responsibly and claimed that the union’s stance risks investment, growth and jobs in the airline.

Aer Lingus said has lost the opportunity to secure two new Airbus aircraft from its parent IAG due to the uncertainty caused by the ongoing pay dispute.