Pilots at Emerald Airlines, the carrier which holds the regional franchise for Aer Lingus, have commenced a ballot for industrial action in response to an ongoing trade dispute with the airline.

The pilots are members of IALPA, the professional association which represents pilots within Ireland, and a branch of Fórsa trade union.

The electronic ballot of IALPA members at Emerald opened yesterday (Thursday) at 3pm, and will close on Thursday, 18^th May at 3pm.

IALPA principal officer Owen Kelly explained the dispute is due to the failure of the airline to engage with IALPA on forming a collective labour agreement for pilots employed at Emerald, despite continuing efforts by the union.

Mr Kelly said: “The company does not recognise the trade union as the representative negotiating body for its pilots.

“We are balloting for industrial action, up to and including strike action, in order to provide pilots the opportunity to send a clear message to Emerald,” he said.

IALPA officer Daniel Langan said pilots were surprised at Emerald’s refusal to engage with the union: “Other airlines that previously refused to engage with unions are now happy to negotiate with them to achieve the certainty and stability of a collective labour agreement.

“Emerald’s position suggests it’s currently out of touch on how best to sustainably establish terms and conditions for its employees in a highly competitive labour market. This is why this ballot became necessary,” he said.

Emerald Airlines operates regional flights, including the public service obligation Dublin to Donegal service on behalf of Aer Lingus. Emerald also operates UK provincial routes including Bristol, Birmingham and Edinburgh, trading as Aer Lingus Regional.

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