Refunds offer as pilots’ talks continue

AER LINGUS has taken the precaution of offering passengers free refunds on flights if last ditch talks fail to prevent pilots taking industrial action next Tuesday.

Talks aimed at averting the dispute — which could affect up to 30,000 passengers a day — were continuing at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) last night.

A second day of talks to resolve the situation commenced after pilots threatened industrial action, claiming they were being asked to operate onerous rosters because of staff shortages. Their case is being represented by IMPACT, of which the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) is a branch.