IALPA members in the Search and Rescue service (SAR) have voted to accept a temporary alleviation to their collective labour agreement. 

The temporary alleviation will see their shift patterns change from 24-hours to 12-hours. The change in shift schedule will require pilots to work at least three days per month in addition to their contracted number of shifts. 

100% of members voted to accept the temporary agreement, with 100% voting. 

IALPA Vice President Finance, Captain Daniel Langan said: “Following the transfer of the Shannon base from CHC to Bristow, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) imposed 12-hour shift patterns on the search and rescue operation.”

“This posed a serious contractual issue for IALPA members as pilots had previously worked 24-hour shifts. It was a massive change to existing custom and practice in the operation.IALPA negotiated a temporary alleviation to our collective labour agreement which fairly compensates our members for altering their terms and conditions."

Captain Langan added: “IALPA are keen for the new operator to re-establish 24-hour shift patterns and we would encourage all stakeholders to engage meaningfully in the process.”

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