06/06/2011

Aer Lingus Talks Resume To Avoid Strike

Talks have continued through the night aimed at avoiding travel chaos this week surrounding proposed Aer Lingus' strike action.

Dialogue between Aer Lingus management and the pilots union Ialpa collapsed in the early hours of Saturday morning at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).

The parties regrouped yesterday evening, hoping to agree terms in the row over rostering arrangements.

Ialpa, the pilots' branch of trade union Impact, said last summer pilots were regularly forced to work six out of seven days.

Last week they served notice of industrial action.

Talks are continuing today in a bid to avoid travel disruption for Aer Lingus passengers this week.

If strike action goes ahead some 30,000 passengers will face disruption to their travel plans.

Specific notice was given that, with effect from tomorrow, pilots based in Cork and Dublin will not work on rostered free days or annual leave days, and will report for duty one hour later than their rostered report times.

Pilots at Belfast and Gatwick have also balloted for industrial action and will serve notice on the company.

Aer Lingus yesterday revealed thousands of people due to fly with the airline next week have already changed or cancelled their booking.

Customers can change flights for between tomorrow and Friday free of charge on: www.aerlingus.com

(BMcN/BMcC)

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