The proposed Aer Lingus pilot strikes have the potential to cause travel chaos this summer and damage the airline itself, travel experts and Government ministers have warned.
Members of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA), which represents hundreds of pilots at Aer Lingus, have voted 99% in favour of strike action.
The airline has said the pilots’ demands are unrealistic, describing a 24% pay increase being sought by IALPA as “untenable”.
IALPA president Mark Tighe has defended the union’s claim, saying they had negotiated in good faith for 22 months for pay claims linked to inflation.
British Airways, which is owned by the same company IAG, had sanctioned a 24% increase for their pilots over the same time period, claimed Mr Tighe.
Travel expert Eoghan Corry said whether the strikes will take place or not, it will end up “going down to the wire” before either side reaches an agreement.
“It’s going to be later rather than sooner that the deal is signed. If the precedent of 2008 is anything to go by, the deal will only be signed at 4am of the date the strike is called,” he said.
Aer Lingus has previously followed through on strike action back in 2002, and in 1985, when the airline’s last big strike took place.
“The reality is it’s not a popularity competition for IALPA,” Mr Corry said, adding that the group are willing to “ride out any criticism” in search of wage increases.
The IALPA underwent the industrial relations process, ending up in the Labour Court where they rejected the compromised proposal, acquired a validated ballot for strike action, before going into talks in an attempt to “bully the airline” with those in the back pocket.
“This is exactly what trade unions do”, Mr Corry added.
Mr Tighe shared his concerns over strike action, saying: “I want the company to come to their senses, but unfortunately they haven’t. And all that is left for the pilots to express their rights is to walk this path.”
He said IALPA remained available to meet with the company and would consider their position “as we go”.
“And as soon as we know what exactly is going to happen next, we will inform everybody.”
Finance Minister Michael McGrath has urged both parties to the dispute to avoid major travel disruption this summer.
“I would call on both Aer Lingus management and the union to get down around the table as quickly as possible and to have meaningful discussions to avoid industrial action,” he said.
“We’re coming into a very important season now, where for many individuals and families this is the one opportunity in the year that they may have to get away.
“The earlier the discussions take place, and a settlement can be agreed between the airline and the pilots’ representatives, the better.
“The last thing that anybody wants to see is passengers being discommoded, flights being cancelled, people’s plans being disrupted.”
Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: “I think it’s very serious for passengers. Thousand and thousands of passengers are at risk.
“I would urge all sides to go to the Labour Relations Commission to have this issue resolved.”
