Pilots’ union warns of ‘dire’ consequences as Aer Lingus strike talks get under way

An estimated 122 flight cancellations are expected this week, as the pay dispute between pilots and the airline continues.

While Mark Tighe, the president of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa), said he was “optimistic” an agreement could be reached on pilots’ pay, he warned that if talks break down, the ­result will be severe regarding disruption.

Mr Tighe spoke as Taoiseach Simon Harris said he was concerned about “bad blood” between the parties.

Speaking to Newstalk radio, he also reminded management and pilots: “There’s people who’ve been saving all year, putting a few bob aside to bring the kids on a summer holiday.

“Most Irish people are decent and full of common sense.

“They want to see this resolved and they believe people should, instead of bringing the planes out of the sky and not allowing people to go on their summer holidays, they should lock themselves in a room and not leave the room until they sort this out.

“Both sides need to dig deeper, there is absolutely zero public support for this action. That’s not, by the way, me letting the employer off the hook.”

However, a pilots’ source claimed the Irish public are behind the pilots, saying: “From what I hear, the public response is understanding. There doesn’t seem to be much anger. Maybe that will change if this goes on.”

They admitted the gap between the parties is “still considerable” before the Labour Court talks. But they added: “Don’t underestimate the Labour Court and its skills when it comes to solving the dispute.”

Meanwhile, Mr Tighe said: “We’re in a very strong position. There are elements within Aer Lingus executive management, who want to remake the airline in their own image. But our airline is incredibly profitable, it’s a great airline… the customers are of great value to us as pilots.”

Mr Tighe warned if talks are a failure, then “the strike is not complete”.

“The pilots are not going to back down,” he said.

“They’re not going to say to management, ‘Go ahead and do what you want to do with our airline, that we’re all part of’.

“We’re giving the Labour Court an opportunity to apply its experience to the situation. But ultimately if the company doesn’t accede to what is a reasonable cumulative claim, the pilots will continue fighting.

“We’re here for our careers. This is an opportunity, a crucial intervention, but if it fails there will be dire consequences.”

While Mr Tighe said it was hoped the Labour Court would be a successful tool, he could not “rule out” what might take place if talks break down.

He said negotiations had been ongoing for 22 months and now management had “backed themselves into a corner, and they cannot change position without saying they got it wrong”.

The pilots are seeking a 24pc pay rise, which they have said is in line with inflation since their last pay increase in 2019.

On Saturday, hundreds of Aer Lingus pilots marched around Dublin Airport during an eight-hour strike.

The pilots’ source said: “The longer a dispute goes on, the longer industrial action continues, the pressure will build from the public on management.”

The Irish Independent contacted Aer Lingus for comment.