Flights cancelled in advance to remain so despite lifting of work-to-rule, says Aer Lingus
Photo: Cancelled Boal/rollingnews Since Ie Sam Action Excess The Have File Of Flights In 570 Last Been Industrial The Beginning Month Of
Aer Lingus pilots say they have not agreed to any changes to their working conditions, as the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) voted to recommend the deal aimed at ending the long-running pay dispute.
On Wednesday evening, the union suspended its work-to-rule action after its executive voted to accept the Labour Court recommendation that includes a 17.75% pay rise. It came after Aer Lingus accepted the deal on the same day it was issued on Monday.
Although it is lower than the almost 24% originally sought which pilots said was in line with inflation, IALPA president Captain Mark Tighe said the union executive believes it's a deal that the pilots “can hopefully accept and we'll move on”.
“We've had a very successful time as a group of people demonstrating our unity and strength together,” he told RTÉ radio. “And that's vitally important moving forward.”
When asked about the impact of the dispute on members of the public, Mr Tighe said: “I most certainly did not want any inconvenience towards our passengers. I've said repeatedly how important they are to us as pilots.
“But unfortunately, management could have come to this point a long time ago, and the question should be really directed towards them.”
Balloting of members will commence next week and runs until Tuesday, July 23, to see if they ratify the deal.
While the cessation of the work-to-rule should mean no flights from next Wednesday onwards are cancelled over the action, the ones cancelled in advance will remain so, according to the airline.
In excess of 570 flights have been cancelled since the beginning of the industrial action last month, which has included a work-to-rule each day from pilots, and one eight-hour work stoppage.
The breakthrough from the Labour Court was only reached after multiple failures to reach a compromise.
In a brief statement, Aer Lingus welcomed the move from IALPA and the discontinuation of the industrial action, adding it looks forward to the balloting process being completed “as soon as possible”.
The mood from Government was one of relief, with Junior Transport Minister James Lawless welcoming IALPA’s move to suspend its work-to-rule action.
“It is deeply unfortunate that so many thousands of people had their travel plans disrupted or outright cancelled during this dispute, and I hope that this announcement now provides some reassurance to those with future travel plans,” he said.
“I am also heartened by the airline's rapid acceptance of the recommendations. I commend both sides for adopting a pragmatic and positive approach over recent days, culminating in this agreement.”
Meanwhile, CEO of the Irish Travel Agent’s Association Clare Dunne said: “It is a good day for the travelling public and we are delighted with the decision by IALPA to suspend industrial action. This is a very positive development for intending travellers and the tourism sector."