The ongoing dispute at Aer Lingus might soon reach a resolution with both parties due at the Labour Court today. Discussions, or even the prospect of discussions, could pave the way forward. Although it’s important to highlight, industry insiders remain pessimistic about an easy solution. Ialpa has indicated a readiness to reduce their salary demand from slightly below 24% to around 20%, whereas management isn’t offering more than 12% without increased productivity or flexibility. This leaves a significant gap between the two.
Till now, the strike has led to hundreds of flights being cancelled since last week’s commencement of the industrial unrest. The airline has already announced numerous cancellations continuing until Sunday July 7th. The strike disrupted travel plans for tens of thousands, although most have been reaccommodated by the airline.
The worst day of the dispute was last Saturday when Ialpa instigated a complete pilot strike for eight hours from 5am to 1pm. Lots of flights to popular holiday locations like Malaga and Faro were cancelled. On other days, the majority of the cancellations were on short-haul business trips to cities like London, Amsterdam, Paris, Manchester, Brussels and Frankfurt.
Amidst the disruption, passengers scheduled to travel during the following week are being offered options to alter their flights without any fees. They also hold the right to cancel their flight and claim for a refund or voucher. To accommodate passengers, the airline and travel agents have rerouted some of them and arranged flights as close to their original departure time as possible.
The reason for the various cancellations, even amidst a work-to-rule situation, is the peak holiday season. During such peak times, airlines usually necessitate their staff to work prolonged hours beyond their rostered schedule. However, pilots are currently refusing to comply due to the work-to-rule. Aer Lingus has decided to determine early the flights to be cut-off, as the work-to-rule would have otherwise led to unpredictable last-minute cancellations.
Could the conflict escalate further?
It’s possible that Ialpa might organise more full-scale strikes in the upcoming days, though they need to provide a notice of at least seven days ahead of a strike. Despite the effective management of the work-to-rule to date, Aer Lingus could face problems arising from air traffic control or weather-related complications, potentially causing delays.
Why might this be of concern?
A delay in any aircraft departure could lead the outbound pilots to refuse to fly due to the potential to exceed their working hours as a consequence of the work-to-rule. Should this occur, airports could deal with last minute cancellations and disarray at airport gates, presenting Aer Lingus with an predicament.
What should passengers with July reservations do?
There’s little that can be done other than waiting and watching how the situation unfolds. The airline maintains communication with affected customers via email, briefing them about the cancellations and advising they either alter their flight at no additional charge, ask for a reimbursement, or request a voucher.
What has the strike cost Aer Lingus to date?
It’s estimated by industry insiders that the airline has already incurred a loss approaching €10 million when considering both the refunds given due to cancelled flights and a decrease in new bookings.