Pilots at Emerald Airlines, which operates Aer Lingus’ regional network, are to vote on a possible strike after claiming the airline has refused to negotiate a collective labor agreement.
Emerald Airlines pilot strike ballot open
As reported by the Irish Independent, the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) informed its Emerald Airlines members last week it was in a formal dispute with the airline, adding that a ballot could be held to determine if industrial action will occur. The ballot has now opened and will conclude next Thursday.
Photo: Emerald Airlines
IALPA principal officer Owen Kelly said,
“We are balloting for industrial action up to and including strike action in order to provide pilots the opportunity to send a clear message to Emerald.”
The union has been seeking a collective labor agreement for its pilots at Emerald Airlines, but this has not materialized. Many of the regional airline’s 140 pilots are IALPA members, so any strike action would significantly impact operations.
No engagement from Emerald?
According to Kelly, Emerald Airlines has refused to enter talks with the union on a collective agreement, claiming the airline “does not recognize the trade union as the representative negotiating body for its pilots.” IALPA has been laying the groundwork for an agreement since last year, but claims its efforts have been rebuffed by Emerald management.
In response, Emerald Airlines CEO Keith Butler said the carrier is actively engaging with employees via its Employee Representative Group (ERG), adding that it has made considerable improvements in pay and working conditions over its first year of operations.
Photo: Peter Krocka/Shutterstock
Butler said,
“We are surprised by IALPA’s unnecessary developments as we are continuing to progress positively with our internal discussions with pilot employee representatives. We continue to maintain an active and healthy dialogue directly with all of our employees including pilot employee representatives.”
Summer disruption
While there’s no word yet on dates, the strike, if voted for, will hit during Emerald’s busy summer schedule. The carrier will serve 30 routes to 20 destinations across the UK, Ireland and France, with upwards of 2.5 million seats available.
Emerald Airlines is the sole operator of Aer Lingus Regional flights with its fleet of 10 ATR 72 turboprops. The carrier has launched several new routes in recent months – this includes 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 year under Aer Lingus Regional in March as part of a 10-year agreement with the Irish carrier and also hit the one-million passenger milestone in January. However, the airline is said to have made considerable losses over its first year of operations, although this is commonplace for startup carriers.
Have you ever flown with Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional)? How did you find the level of comfort and service? Let us know your stories in the comments.
Source: The Irish Independent