The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association

PRESS RELEASE

Aer Lingus Chief Executive Dermot Mannion, pre IPO committed to adhere to all existing collective agreements with staff including the pilots following the flotation in 2006.
Aer Lingus post IPO, sought pilot agreement to terms for the setting up of the Cork base as a matter of urgency.
Pilots then transferred from Dublin to Cork in accordance with negotiated collective agreement between Aer Lingus and IALPA.
Pilots based in Cork work under the same terms & conditions and salary as pilots based in Dublin.
IALPA have offered to replicate this process for the setting up of the proposed Belfast base.
IALPA support Aer Lingus’ investment in Northern Ireland; IALPA wish to see such investment in the context of an All Island economy of equal partners rather than a two-tier one.
IALPA have always been willing to enter talks about the proposed Belfast base.
IALPA have offered Aer Lingus a number of options which would see the withdrawal of industrial action.
Over 20 serving Aer Lingus Pilots have expressed interest in returning to the North to work from the proposed base.
Serving pilots have been told by Aer Lingus they must resign from their position in Dublin prior to being employed by Aer Lingus in Belfast.
IALPA wish to support the expansion of Aer Lingus and contribute to the company’s growth to maintain the airline’s independence.
IALPA do not support the creation of new bases designed solely for the purpose of saving money by employing staff on inferior pay and conditions.