Clare Travel Counsellor Expects Aer Lingus And IALPA To Reach Compromise Soon

Clare FM

A Clare Travel Counsellor expects Aer Lingus and IALPA will reach a compromise at the eleventh hour. It comes as the pilot's union has again voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. Aer Lingus is currently operating four services to and from Shannon, namely flights to London Heathrow, New York JFK, Boston - Logan and Paris Charles De Gaulle. Yesterday , pilot's union IALPA voted for industrial action for a second time after Aer Lingus dismissed the results of a first e-ballot. But the paper ballot was equally clearcut, with 99% of pilots voting in favour. The union is required to give just seven days notice to the airline ahead of any planned strike action, which means flights could be cancelled as early as next week. Aer Lingus Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Donal Moriarty fears this would cause significant disruption for passengers. A Clare Travel Counsellor believes the pilots hold the upper hand at the negotiating table and it's highly likely a compromise will be reached at the eleventh hour. The Labour Court had recommended a pay increase of 9.25% for the pilots, but IALPA is seeking wage hikes of 23.8%. Ennis Travel Counsellor Gearóid Mannion is urging customers to ensure their holiday insurance covers strike action and to check bookings, as if they're discommoded they might be offered to change their flight for free. He says ultimately Aer Lingus and IALPA will have to find a middle ground. The Tánaiste, meanwhile, is urging both sides in the Aer Lingus dispute to sort it out. Micheál Martin says the Labour Relations Commission may have to get involved.