Labour Court criticises airline and union for lack of “realism and common sense”
The Labour Court hopes that a definitive agreement can be reached at the WRC by the end of August, and has recommended a total 9.25pc pay increase as an interim measure. That includes increases backdated to dates in 2023 and 2024.
The court criticised both the airline and the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) for failing to demonstrate “realism and common sense” in their attempts to reach an agreement.
Aer Lingus, whose chief executive is Lynne Embleton, is part of the IAG group that also includes British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.
IALPA, which represents about 800 pilots at Aer Lingus, has been seeking a 27pc pay rise over three years, while the company has offered an effective 8.5pc increase.
An independent Pilot Pay Tribunal last year recommended a 12.25pc increase in consolidated pay and a 1.5pc rise in unconsolidated pay for the pilots. IALPA’s pay proposal includes a 20pc pay rise, and an additional 7pc covering the cost of a 2019 crewing agreement. The 12.25pc proposed by the carrier included 3.75pc to pay for that crewing agreement.
The Labour Court heard submissions from both sides last month. In his ruling the chairman Kevin Foley said: “It is a matter of concern to the court that the extensive engagement between the parties in relation to the matters…has not resulted in any discernible indication of understanding…that the resolution of the trade dispute will require the exercise of pragmatism, realism and common sense in order to identify a position that has the potential to be accepted by both.”
The interim recommendation by the Labour Court does not include a final determination of the cost of the 2019 crewing agreement that both sides have accepted will be paid for by pilots. The quantum of that cost is set to be further explored at the WRC.
The Labour Court recommendation says the two sides recognise that the “scope of the agreement which they have been pursuing through various fora from December 2022 is beyond their capacity at this time, and that the continuing failure to secure comprehensive agreement has the potential to become a point of dispute in itself”.
“The matter of the ‘debt’ arising from the implementation of the crewing agreement, and any adjustment to the structure of that agreement, should form part of the final agreement on the matters currently in dispute,” the Labour Court added.
Aer Lingus said it will re-engage with the WRC as recommended. “We note the challenges that the court has outlined which prevented it from issuing a final and definitive recommendation on the issues,” it said. “Aer Lingus accepts the content of the recommendation that was issued and will look to take the interim steps outlined within it. Aer Lingus looks forward to re-engaging on the issues in the WRC.”
Trade union Forsa, under which IALPA operates, has been asked for comment.
