Threat of Cancellation to Aer Lingus Services

Aer Lingus today, 31 May 2011, announced that it has been served with notice of industrial action by the IALPA branch of the IMPACT trade union representing pilots at the airline.

Following a ballot of its members, where 87% voted in favour of industrial action, IALPA / IMPACT has written to Aer Lingus confirming its intention to take such action.

Specifically, notice has been given that, with effect from Tuesday 7 June, pilots based in Cork and Dublin

? Will not work on rostered free days or annual leave days, and
? Will report for duty one hour later than their rostered report times

Christoph Mueller, Chief Executive officer commented, “This withdrawal of flexibility will destroy our ability to operate a proper schedule as we will miss our airport slot times, parking stands, gate positions and will be unable to fulfil flight connections for customers. In addition pilot and cabin crew operational duties will be out of sync which may result in cabin crew having insufficient hours to operate all flights. This may lead to a full cancellation of operations from Tuesday 7 June unless IALPA / IMPACT stand down their action.”

A bilateral process has been ongoing for some time to develop new manpower planning and roster models that will enable the carrier achieve the already agreed levels of productivity while providing pilots with better quality rosters. In recent weeks however, the issue has been exacerbated by shortage of pilots due to higher than expected levels of attrition in the UK.

In recent days, the company has invited IALPA / IMPACT to talks and is willing to work towards a mutually workable solution to this issue.

Should this action proceed, it will have a significant adverse effect on profitability, occurring as it does in the peak summer season.

Aer Lingus sincerely regrets the uncertainty this threat of industrial action by IALPA / IMPACT causes its customers. However, the airline is using its best endeavours to reach a resolution.