Menu
10/10/2007
Plot Thickens As Aer Lingus Pilots Play Their Ace
Despite the suspension of five pilots at Aer Lingus, the threat of a possible strike has receded.
Management carried out its threat to begin suspending pilots refusing to train new recruits in a dispute over pay and conditions for the airline's planned new hub at Belfast.
However, in a surprise move, members of the Aer Lingus pilots' union Impact have said they will resign en masse from training duties instead, noting that training was optional and lay beyond pilots' core flying duties.
Almost 40 senior pilots have started resigning from training duties to avoid the risk of suspension for refusal to train new recruits for the Northern Ireland operation.
A spokesman told the BBC they would not be goaded into strike action, which he said appeared to be what the company's management wanted.
Instead, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa) which is part of Impact wants to negotiate further over the terms and conditions for Belfast staff, with lower pay and especially the less attractive pension plan topping the agenda.
However, the airline has said negotiations are over and it wants to set up its new hub north of the border employing staff on conditions "with reference to local market conditions".
However, the union realises that the loss of this in-house training capability - which they claim is a regulatory requirement of Irish aviation authorities - would hit the airline hard as it gears up for its new operation, while immunising pilots from disciplinary action.
They are walking a tight-rope though, as many staff are also shareholders following last year's privatisation of what was previously Ireland's national airline.
Their own investments will be damaged if overall financial health is affected by a dispute which could weaken the share price.
At the same time, fearful that staff on lower pay and pensions at a base only 110 miles just up the road from Dublin could eventually reduce their own conditions, pilots are also anxious to retain their own conditions, which are considerably better than those enjoyed by staff in rival Ryanair - which is ironically also a major shareholder in the newly privatised airline.
Aer Lingus management is therefore confident in confronting the pilots and also telling other staff it will not honour a pay award supposed to be paid as part of an Irish government-brokered national pay deal, unless staff accept the airline's cost reduction proposals.
With the new Belfast hub due to open in early December, the latest surprise move by pilots places more pressure on management to resolve the increasingly bitter dispute, and meet its deadline for take-off from Belfast, which is already being widely promoted in the Province.
(BMcC)
Management carried out its threat to begin suspending pilots refusing to train new recruits in a dispute over pay and conditions for the airline's planned new hub at Belfast.
However, in a surprise move, members of the Aer Lingus pilots' union Impact have said they will resign en masse from training duties instead, noting that training was optional and lay beyond pilots' core flying duties.
Almost 40 senior pilots have started resigning from training duties to avoid the risk of suspension for refusal to train new recruits for the Northern Ireland operation.
A spokesman told the BBC they would not be goaded into strike action, which he said appeared to be what the company's management wanted.
Instead, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa) which is part of Impact wants to negotiate further over the terms and conditions for Belfast staff, with lower pay and especially the less attractive pension plan topping the agenda.
However, the airline has said negotiations are over and it wants to set up its new hub north of the border employing staff on conditions "with reference to local market conditions".
However, the union realises that the loss of this in-house training capability - which they claim is a regulatory requirement of Irish aviation authorities - would hit the airline hard as it gears up for its new operation, while immunising pilots from disciplinary action.
They are walking a tight-rope though, as many staff are also shareholders following last year's privatisation of what was previously Ireland's national airline.
Their own investments will be damaged if overall financial health is affected by a dispute which could weaken the share price.
At the same time, fearful that staff on lower pay and pensions at a base only 110 miles just up the road from Dublin could eventually reduce their own conditions, pilots are also anxious to retain their own conditions, which are considerably better than those enjoyed by staff in rival Ryanair - which is ironically also a major shareholder in the newly privatised airline.
Aer Lingus management is therefore confident in confronting the pilots and also telling other staff it will not honour a pay award supposed to be paid as part of an Irish government-brokered national pay deal, unless staff accept the airline's cost reduction proposals.
With the new Belfast hub due to open in early December, the latest surprise move by pilots places more pressure on management to resolve the increasingly bitter dispute, and meet its deadline for take-off from Belfast, which is already being widely promoted in the Province.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 June 2012
City Airport Hits Back At 'Ludicrous' Claims
A spokeswoman for George Best Belfast City Airport has hit back at claims that it is not sensible for the capital to have two airports 14 miles away.
City Airport Hits Back At 'Ludicrous' Claims
A spokeswoman for George Best Belfast City Airport has hit back at claims that it is not sensible for the capital to have two airports 14 miles away.
16 October 2007
Aer Lingus Pilots Ready For Belfast Take-Off
Aer Lingus pilots have voted to accept an agreement that will allow the company to operate its new Belfast hub. The deal was finally agreed between the Irish Airline Pilots' Association and the airline's management at the Labour Relations Commission on Monday, leaving Aer Lingus ready for take-off from Belfast after all.
Aer Lingus Pilots Ready For Belfast Take-Off
Aer Lingus pilots have voted to accept an agreement that will allow the company to operate its new Belfast hub. The deal was finally agreed between the Irish Airline Pilots' Association and the airline's management at the Labour Relations Commission on Monday, leaving Aer Lingus ready for take-off from Belfast after all.
15 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
12 October 2007
Talks Due On Aer Lingus Dispute
Management and unions at Aer Lingus are expected to attend talks arranged by the Labour Relations Commission this weekend in a bid to prevent a stoppage at the airline next week. The company has given its 480 pilots until lunchtime on Monday to co-operate with the airline's new Belfast hub, or face being taken off the payroll.
Talks Due On Aer Lingus Dispute
Management and unions at Aer Lingus are expected to attend talks arranged by the Labour Relations Commission this weekend in a bid to prevent a stoppage at the airline next week. The company has given its 480 pilots until lunchtime on Monday to co-operate with the airline's new Belfast hub, or face being taken off the payroll.
07 August 2002
New budget airline operator set for Belfast
Belfast International Airport has welcomed the news that budget airline operator Mytravel Airways, is to operate a new route to Northern Ireland from Birmingham. Mytravel Airways, which is part of the group that owns Airtours and Going Places, is expected to begin its new route this autumn with two daily flights.
New budget airline operator set for Belfast
Belfast International Airport has welcomed the news that budget airline operator Mytravel Airways, is to operate a new route to Northern Ireland from Birmingham. Mytravel Airways, which is part of the group that owns Airtours and Going Places, is expected to begin its new route this autumn with two daily flights.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
