Aer Lingus pilots 'voting on strike action'

Aer Lingus pilots balloting for strike action this evening, it has been reported.

If approved, all flights may be shut down from next Tuesday, although the action could instead result in a partial suspension of services.

The proposed move is thought to be in support of Aer Arann pilots, who have today begun talks with the company in a bid to solve a pay dispute in an attempt to prevent industrial action, due to begin next week.

The pilots, who took a 10% pay cut in 2009, served Aer Arann strike notice last summer.

They eventually withdrew their threat after the company agreed to enter a pay review process and take part in an independent pay tribunal.

The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) said despite several days of tribunal hearings, members were still not satisfied with the company’s position on introducing pay rises, claiming it has continued to kick the can further down the road.