Pilots say proposals overlook real issues

AER LINGUS pilots will tell the airline tomorrow that its proposals to resolve the dispute over the new Belfast base are welcome but still fail to address crucial issues.

As the stand-off between the pilots and the company over terms and conditions for staff at the Belfast hub enters its sixth week, Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion yesterday wrote to all 500 pilots telling them he would:

* Allow Aer Lingus pilots from the Republic to apply for the Belfast jobs without resigning from their posts in Dublin.

* Recognise the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association as the trade union representatives of the new pilots in Belfast.

However, the sting in the tail for any pilots moving north of the border would be that they would lose seniority built up with the company — promotions to captain positions in Belfast would be on merit, not seniority. They would also have to leave the guaranteed defined benefit pension scheme in the Republic and join a less secure defined contribution scheme in Belfast. On a more positive note, those who opted to be seconded to Belfast on a placement for up to five years would be able to revert to the southern terms when they returned.

However, one of the issues which almost grounded 45,000 passengers in a 48-hour strike last month remains unresolved. The company has not given an inch on its determination that the new staff in Belfast will have to work under local, and what the union says are inferior, terms and conditions.

It is still adamant all the staff flying the Belfast routes will receive the modified entitlements which have been detailed in advertising for the new positions.

According to Michael Landers of IMPACT, that is still one of the elements which must be resolved though he did admit “it may be the case that we do not fully replicate the terms and conditions in the south”.

“Our concern is that whatever agreement is finally reached it is not imposed by the company.”

It is less than three months until the Belfast base is due to start operating. While the airline has received more than 1,000 applications it has extended its recruitment deadline for all applicants in order to facilitate any present Aer Lingus staff who wish to work out of Belfast.

Dermot Mannion told the pilots: “I firmly believe that these proposals represent a positive way forward. I would also like to assure you that our intention to set up bases outside of the Republic of Ireland is in line with our growth strategy and when effectively implemented should have a positive effect on our profitability and share price. That is the most effective way of maintaining our independence and ensuring job security for all employees.”