The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA), a branch of Fórsa, will conclude a ballot today (Friday) of pilots employed by ASL Airlines Ireland (ASLI) for industrial action, up to and including strike action, in pursuit of trade union recognition for collective bargaining purposes. The ballot opened last Thursday (30th October). 

The dispute arises from ASL’s refusal to engage with IALPA in order to negotiate a collective labour agreement for its pilots. It follows sustained efforts by the union to establish a formal engagement framework with the airline.

IALPA represents professional pilots across the Irish aviation sector, including those flying for major scheduled and cargo carriers. Fórsa has said that ASL’s failure to recognise the association is out of step with established practice in other Irish airlines, where constructive industrial relations and collective bargaining are well established, and working successfully.

IALPA spokesperson Captain Daniel Langan said the union has made repeated attempts to engage ASL management in dialogue, but these have been met with silence.

“Pilots at ASL want what their colleagues in other airlines already have. That is a fair and transparent system for negotiating terms and conditions through their chosen representative body. 

“The company’s refusal to even meet with IALPA is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of good industrial relations. This ballot reflects the frustration and determination of our members to secure recognition,” he said.

Fórsa national secretary Katie Morgan said that the union has consistently sought constructive engagement with ASL to resolve the issue: “Our preference, always, is for dialogue and resolution. The airline will be aware of successful industrial relations practice in the aviation industry, where collective agreements are long established and effective.

“Given the current impasse, where the employer refuses to recognise its employees’ right to collective representation, our members have been left with no alternative but to take this course of action,” she said.

ASL Airlines Ireland operates freight services on behalf of major global integrators including Amazon, FedEx, and DHL, and is part of the ASL Aviation Holdings group headquartered in Swords, County Dublin. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.