The Labour Court is expected to issue a recommendation following this week’s special hearing on the pay dispute between the pilot body IALPA, a branch of Fórsa, and Aer Lingus.

Work-to-rule action by IALPA members at Aer Lingus continues, while over 500 pilots took part in the rally and picket at Dublin Airport last Saturday (29th June) during an eight-hour work stoppage by pilots.

Both parties attended lengthy talks on Monday (1st July), following which the Court said it would exercise its power under section 26(5) of the 1990 Industrial Relations Act to formally intervene in the dispute. That hearing took place on Wednesday (3rd July).

The airline has cancelled approximately 400 flights since work-to-rule action commenced on 26th June. 

IALPA has highlighted the generous bonus terms recently awarded to Aer Lingus senior management, including almost €300k in shares to its CEO Lynne Embleton, and has criticised what it describes as “corporate greed” at the airline.

Pilots are pursuing a pay claim based on the cumulative effect of inflation since 2019, since when there has been no increase in pilot pay terms. Pilots and other airline employees also endured hefty reductions in pay during the period affected by Covid-related travel restrictions.

IALPA will ballot its members on the terms of the anticipated Labour Court recommendation, which is expected in the coming days.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.