Aer Lingus pilots face suspension threat from today

Industrial unrest could be looming at Aer Lingus, with pilots facing the threat of suspension from today if they refuse to train staff at the airline's new Belfast base.

The recently privatised airline says all pilots face immediate suspension from the payroll if they continue to refuse to train new pilots in Belfast.

The pilots' union IALPA says it considers the letter a serious escalation in the dispute over pay and conditions at the new base.

It is meeting today to consider its response and says it is committed to finding a solution to the difficulties.

However, it has also warned that its policy of non-co-operation with the establishment of the Belfast base remains in place.