Aer Lingus has accused its pilots of refusing to cooperate due to dissatisfaction with their pay and sick leave terms. The airline, headed by Lynne Embleton, has also warned the trade union Fórsa that it is considering its next course of action in response to what it perceives as industrial action.
The unionized pilots at Aer Lingus belong to the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa), which falls under the umbrella of Fórsa. However, Fórsa has denied any industrial action involving its pilot members at Aer Lingus.
In a letter to Fórsa, the chief operations officer of Aer Lingus, Adrian Dunne, stated that the alleged non-cooperation by pilots has resulted in 13 transatlantic flight cancellations since September 8, as well as significant disruptions and rerouting within Europe. Dunne insisted that the disruption could be directly attributed to the pilots’ withdrawal of cooperation.
Dunne highlighted the negative impact on passengers and the financial cost to Aer Lingus, including compensation, accommodation, alternative flights, and other related expenses. He also noted the strain on the wider team managing the fallout from the disruption. The costs incurred so far are estimated to exceed €2 million and continue to rise due to the ongoing non-cooperation.
Aer Lingus, which is part of the IAG group that owns British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling, acknowledges that airline operations occasionally cause delays. In such situations, cockpit crews may need to operate outside of working conditions. In these cases, it is normal for Aer Lingus to request continuity from the crews, compensating them according to agreed levels.
However, Dunne pointed out that since September 8, the “vast majority” of operating crews have declined to work outside of their rostered duties. He emphasized that this refusal is a significant departure from the usual levels of cooperation.
In response, Fórsa’s national secretary, Katie Morgan, denied any sanctioning or engagement in industrial action. She stated that the union has not taken part in or endorsed any such action, referring to confirmations from the IALPA branch’s principal officers.
Dunne claimed that the non-cooperation by pilots is premeditated, providing evidence of pilots urging their colleagues not to work on days off and to minimize cooperation to fulfill only their minimal obligations. He asserted that this behavior demonstrates a planned and coordinated campaign.
Aer Lingus assumes that this alleged action by pilots is unofficial. Dunne warned Morgan of the consequences of unofficial industrial action and the options available to the airline in response.
A pilot pay tribunal is scheduled for next Tuesday.
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