Chaos threat looms as Aer Lingus talks continue

CRUNCH talks aimed at averting industrial action by Aer Lingus pilots and travel chaos were continuing at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) last night.

Management and pilots accepted an invitation to attend the LRC yesterday after discussions collapsed in the early hours of Saturday. It is understood significant progress had been made on short- term issues but one of the primary difficulties was in finding consensus on long-term sustainable rosters for pilots.

Up to 30,000 passengers flying from Dublin, Shannon and Cork face travel chaos from tomorrow unless there is a breakthrough.

Pilots at Belfast and Gatwick have also balloted for industrial action and will serve notice on the company, leading to fears that action could hit British schedules.

Aer Lingus said it has put contingency plans in place should industrial action go ahead from tomorrow. This includes offering customers the option of changing travel dates or canceling bookings free of charge. The airline is also believed to be considering leasing aircraft and crews to keep some of its schedule operating normally.

Aer Lingus confirmed thousands of people due to fly this week have already changed or cancelled bookings.

Entering the latest round of talks last night, Aer Lingus head of group human resources Michael Grealy said: “We’re here to make sure that Aer Lingus can fly this week, that’s what we’re interested in doing. We’ve 30,000 passengers who we’d like to have in the air and at their destinations on Tuesday.”

President of the Irish Airline Pilots Association, Captain Evan Cullen, also expressed confidence an agreement could be reached.

“I’m sure it can. We’re working hard for that,” he said.