Irish flights set for disruption

Aer Lingus passengers due to fly to and from Ireland this week should keep a careful eye on the airline’s web site with the airline’s pilots due to go on strike from next Tuesday.  On Saturday talks between the parties collapsed with the strike seemingly inevitable.

The industrial action by the Irish Airline Pilots' Association is backed by 87% of flight deck crews balloted – this will affect services out of Dublin and Cork.

The dispute is centred around the issue of flexibility on rosters.  Both sides have been invited to take part in talks.  According to a statement by Aer Lingus the pilots will not work on rostered free days or annual leave days and will report for duty one hour late.

With Aer Lingus struggling financially and the airline building up to the busy (and profitable) summer season the timing of the proposed strike may play into the hands of major shareholder Ryanair, keen to get its hands on Aer Lingus, but at a price of its choosing rather than that of the former state airline. www.aerlingus.com

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