Aer Lingus strike fears grow as union warns of possible summer action

The IMPACT trade union is warning that a strike at Aer Lingus is "very likely" this summer.

Crews in Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports are expected to back industrial action in a ballot later this week, which could see action taken as early as later this month.

Disagreement has arisen over what IMPACT representatives describe as "ridiculous" working conditions at the airline and "onerous" rosters for air crew and ground staff.

"Unfortunately I think that (industrial action) is very likely," IMPACT assistant general secretary Michael Landers said.

"In many cases disputes or threatened disputes have been resolved by the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court.

"We've tried that - that hasn't worked.

"Cabin crew had a very difficult summer last year with very long and onerous rosters.

"That's set to repeat this year and we want these problems solved now."

Meanwhile in more positive news for the airline, Aer Lingus this morning said traffic for the month of April was up 12.2% compared to the previous year.

The airline, including Aer Lingus regional, recorded 974,000 passengers last month, with the timing of Easter and the introduction of new long haul services to San Francisco and Toronto all having a positive impact.