Pilot industrial action under way at Aer Lingus

Industrial action by members of the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) at Aer Lingus is under way.

An indefinite work-to-rule began at midnight as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

The action involves IALPA members not working overtime or any other out-of-hours duties requested by management.

Pilots will not accept or work any amendments to published rosters.

They are also refusing to log on to Aer Lingus online portals outside of work hours or answer work phone calls outside of work hours.

IALPA and Aer Lingus management attended separate meetings at the Labour Court yesterday in a bid to resolve the dispute but the court advised both parties that it would not be intervening at this time and would review the matter in July.

Aer Lingus has so far cancelled 270 flights because of the work-to-rule and a planned 8-hour strike on Saturday.

The airline has warned that further, last-minute disruptions may occur over the coming days and that it is possible that passengers may find out their flight is cancelled while they are at the gate waiting to board.

Yesterday, Aer Lingus expressed disappointment that the Labour Court would not be intervening.

“Aer Lingus has made it clear that it remains available for discussions both directly and through the State’s industrial relations framework,” the airline said.

“Aer Lingus will continue to focus on minimising the disruption caused to customers by IALPA’s industrial action,” it added.

IALPA said it noted the decision of the Labour Court not to intervene and that it remained available to re-enter meaningful negotiations.

In recent days, each side has accused the other of refusing to meaningfully engage.

Aer Lingus has said that agreements on flexibility and productivity would have to form part of any improved pay offer.

IALPA said, however, that the 24% pay increase it is seeking reflects cumulative inflation over recent years and should not be linked to work practice changes.