LRC intervenes in bid to avert Aer Lingus strike

THE Labour Relations Commission has intervened in the dispute between Aer Lingus and its pilots in a bid to avert industrial action planned for next Tuesday.

Airline management and pilots union, the Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA), has accepted an invitation to talks by the LRC.

Some 87% of IALPA members balloted last week in favour of industrial action to begin on June 7 next.

Notice was given to the airline that pilots based in Cork and Dublin:

* Will not work on rostered free days or on annual leave days.

* Will report for duty one hour later than their rostered report times.

Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller warned passengers that the move could lead to a full cancellation of its services.

“This withdrawal of flexibility will destroy our ability to operate a proper schedule as we will miss our airport slot times, parking stands, gate positions and will be unable to fulfil flight connections for customers.

“In addition, pilot and cabin crew operational duties will be out of sync which may result in cabin crew having insufficient hours to operate all flights,” he said.