Hopes of breakthrough in Aer Lingus pay row rise after talks

Hopes of a breakthrough in the Aer Lingus pay row rose late on Monday following talks at the Labour Court.

Both sides confirmed that the court had decided to use statutory powers to intervene and has called a formal hearing for Wednesday.

Aer Lingus chief corporate affairs officer Donal Moriarty described engagement with the court on Monday as constructive. He said the company would be attending on Wednesday.

However, the Irish Air Line Pilots Association (Ialpa) president, Capt Mark Tighe, said that Aer Lingus had not changed its position and claimed that the company attempted to introduce new elements to the talks.

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He confirmed that the pilots’ union would participate in Wednesday’s hearing. He added that its industrial action would continue.

Capt Tighe said the group moved on its initial pay claim of 24 per cent but claimed the company had not compromised “at all”.

“The company, not only have they indicated that they were not moving off their statements of 12.25 per cent, anything more being financed, they also brought to the Labour Court new demands which the Labour Court have not seen before,” he said at the conclusion of the talks on Monday.

“Having considered all of this, the Labour Court decided to use its authority under the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to have a formal investigation which will occur on a one day event on Wednesday and it will then issue a recommendation.”

Mr Moriarty insisted the company was trying to find resolution.

“Aer Lingus was open to reaching a solution using all avenues available to it for that solution,” he said after the talks.

“We outlined those details to the court and the court has determined that a formal hearing is the best next step to take.”

Meanwhile, Aer Lingus confirmed it had hired aircraft and crew from other operators, a practice known as “wet leasing”, to fly some services during the industrial action that has forced the airline to cancel almost 400 flights.

The Irish airline leased the aircraft and crews late last month and the contract runs up to Sunday, July 14th.

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