Aer Lingus, the renowned Irish airline, may experience significant disruptions to its operations during the peak of the summer season due to industrial action by its pilots. The Irish Airline Pilots' Association (IALPA) served notice of an indefinite work-to-rule action, to commence on Wednesday, June 26. This development comes after an overwhelming 99% of IALPA pilots voted in favor of industrial action, which may include a strike.

Captain Mark Tighe, President of IALPA, emphasized the pilots' dissatisfaction with the management's approach to pay negotiations. Tighe stated that the pilots' demands primarily revolve around a pay increase that accounts for inflation as well as the sacrifices made by pilots to support Aer Lingus during the pandemic. The IALPA is seeking a 24% pay increase, aligning with inflation since their last pay rise in 2019. The union pointed out that Aer Lingus reported a substantial rise in profits, growing by 400% to €255 million last year.

As the airline evaluates the potential disruptions caused by the industrial action, spokespersons for Aer Lingus have stated that they will communicate with customers regarding the impact of the situation. However, the announcement affirms that Aer Lingus regional services operating between Belfast and Great Britain will not be affected.

The work-to-rule action initiated by IALPA will involve strictly adhering to work schedules, abstaining from overtime work, and declining out-of-hours duties requested by the management. Pilots will not accept or work any changes to the published rosters. Additionally, pilots will only engage with the Aer Lingus portal or 'e-crew' during designated work hours and will not respond to phone calls outside their work schedules.

Aer Lingus passengers travelling during this period should be aware of the potential disruptions caused by the industrial action. Meanwhile, air traffic controllers being off sick has already resulted in delays to morning flights at the Isle of Man Airport.

The Irish Airline Pilots' Association's strong mandate for industrial action signifies the escalated dispute between pilots and management, highlighting the need for a more satisfactory resolution that addresses pilots' concerns regarding fair pay in line with the airline's increased profits.