The regional operator for Aer Lingus, Emerald Airlines (EA), is trying to throw havoc into the summer schedule because the pilots look to start industrial motion. The Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA) has noted that the pilots in search of improved remuneration will inflict a ‘roll to work’ rule, refusing time beyond regulation or any additional requests from the carrier.
As explained by the FórsaTrade Union, the pilots are aligned with the Irish Pilots Association, a branch of Fórsa, which has claimed that Emerald has did not conform to a collective labor agreement with its pilots.
Photo: Bradley Caslin / Shutterstock
Unnecessary
A spokesperson for the regional carrier, which supports Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus (EI), has described the newest motion as entirely unnecessary. Nevertheless, the airline stays confident that the newest move shouldn’t disrupt the airline’s current schedules.
Pilots’ refusal to work time beyond regulation, take extra shifts on their rostered days off, or perform additional duties directly responds to the airline’s refusal to work and negotiate with the union. The IALPA noted that members voted overwhelmingly at 82% to proceed with the motion after what they describe as an entire refusal for Emerald to barter. A spokesperson for the union stated:
“The union has advised Emerald Airlines that it reserves the proper to escalate the commercial motion and can provide it with the required notice of same should this occur.”
Photo: Bradley Caslin / Shutterstock
The union’s response:
With pilots at Emerald dumfounded on the explanation why Emerald is refusing to barter, was elaborated by the unions, IALPA officer Daniel Langan:
“Other airlines that previously refused to have interaction with unions at the moment are completely happy to barter with them to attain the understanding and stability of a collective labor agreement. Emerald’s position suggests it’s currently out of touch on how best to sustainably establish terms and conditions for its employees in a highly competitive labor market. The employer’s refusal to have interaction is why this motion is now essential.”
An earlier report by Easy Flying noted the airline CEO Keith Butler stating that the airline continues to be surprised by the continued motion, having acknowledged that communication with employees via its Worker Representative Group (ERG) had been made, adding that it has made considerable improvements in pay and dealing conditions over its first 12 months of operations. Butler went onto note:
Photo: Dublin Airport Authority
Taking to the skies of Ireland
Emerald Airlines is the only real operator of Aer Lingus Regional flights with its fleet of 10 ATR 72 turboprops. The carrier has recently launched several latest routes, including Belfast to East Midlands and Newcastle, and most recently Belfast-Jersey, taking it to 13 routes out of Belfast City Airport.
It celebrated its first 12 months under Aer Lingus Regional in March as a part of a 10-year agreement with the Irish carrier and likewise hit the one-million passenger milestone in January. Nevertheless, the airline is claimed to have made considerable losses over its first 12 months of operations, although that is commonplace for startup carriers.
Sources: FL360Aero