Aer Lingus pilots ballot in favour of industrial action

AER LINGUS customers could be facing a summer of discontent after pilots balloted in favour of industrial action late last week.

The ballot, which took place on May 27, passed with a substantial majority on a good turnout. Notice was served on the company over the weekend that industrial action could begin from June 7.

However, a source close to the dispute said there appeared to be an “openness” for discussions to resolve the issues. The airline confirmed it was aware of the ballot result.

The pilots, members of the Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA), have taken issue with the company over rostering arrangements and claim they are stretched to the limit by low numbers and this is having an impact on their rosters.

Earlier this month, the IALPA said that if the members vote in favour, it will activate action if Aer Lingus management:

nContinue to fail to produce and implement a “sustainable manpower plan to address issues including but not limited to pilot number retention.

* Breach or continue to breach any collective agreement.

* Fail to address pilot roster grievances on both the A330 and A320 aircraft fleets on or before June 7.

* Breach or continue to breach any pilot contract of employment.

* Initiate disciplinary action against any member adhering to IALPA directives.

It is understood that pilots identified problems with the rosters a year ago and had brought their concerns to the attention of management at that point.

They said their concerns had not been addressed since then and while the situation had been manageable during the quiet off-peak season, they were not prepared to let it continue over the busy summer months.

It is believed the problem is exacerbated by the departure of a numberof Belfast-based pilots to other airlines meaning that they can not be called in to help overstretched Dublin-based pilots.