Aer Lingus and the pilots’ unions are engaging in mediated discussions in what is hoped will avert further disruption amid the busy summer holiday period.
The airline has said pilots’ industrial action to date has caused "significant financial and reputational damage". "So we’ve no doubt that the engagement today in the Labour Court will be challenging, but we’re willing to engage in that meaningfully." "Ialpa did make a move. It felt that had it been invited by the company into a meeting that there was a possible solution on the table. Having moved, the company stated that they were not moving at all, which ended those talks.
He said: "If this fails today, we are back looking at an escalation. There is nothing that I can see beyond the Labour Court and its extensive experience and in recognition of that we didn’t escalate, but if this doesn’t work, there’s not many other options on the table.""I’m always hopeful that there is a solution. We’ve always been willing to talk. Ialpa has moved in an attempt to find a solution, the company has not in 22 months, that should say a lot to people.
Flights have been cancelled by Aer Lingus up until Sunday July 7 as a precaution, but further disruption could be announced.