Aer Lingus seeks 15 days' strike notice from pilots to avoid 'devastating impact' on passengers

A minimum of 15 days' strike notice has been sought by Aer Lingus from the union representing their pilots should pay talks break down, it has been confirmed. 

A spokesperson for Aer Lingus said they are seeking this advance notice from the Irish Airline Pilots' Association union (IALPA) with whom they are in pay negotiations, to try to reduce the significant disruption it would cause for passengers who have already booked to fly with them this summer. 

"Aer Lingus wrote to IALPA on 10th June informing them that industrial action at this time of year would cause very significant disruption and have a devastating impact on customers and their families going into the summer holiday season," the spokesperson said.

"In that context, and if IALPA is intent on pursuing strike action, Aer Lingus asked IALPA that advance notice of at least fifteen days be provided.

"Such a level of notice which has been a norm where industrial action has been taken internationally in other airlines, would provide Aer Lingus with more opportunity to try to make alternative arrangements for a greater number of customers. Aer Lingus is awaiting IALPA’s response to this request,” they said. 

Earlier this week, members of IALPA at Aer Lingus voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including the withdrawal of labour.

IALPA president Mark Tighe requested that any industrial action is taken in a way that "avoids inflicting unnecessary distress and suffering on our customers".

Mr Tighe said on Wednesday that the result of the ballot showed that Aer Lingus pilots are "determined to secure a fair and reasonable pay rise after years of inflation".