Emerald Airlines, operating under the Aer Lingus Regional network, is currently experiencing industrial action from its pilots. The dispute primarily concerns issues of pay, conditions, and union recognition.
The Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA) members have voted for industrial action due to the company’s lack of engagement with the union regarding a collective labor agreement. Since June 24th, the pilots have been adhering to a work-to-rule policy, which involves not being available outside of working hours and declining roster changes with less than 24 hours’ notice.
This industrial action is expected to disrupt flight services. The pilots argue that their contributions have not been acknowledged or recognized by Emerald, and they are demanding substantive engagement from the management. Failure to meet these demands may result in further escalation of action in the future.
It should be noted that Aer Lingus had promised to recognize the union before granting the franchise to Emerald.
Background Information
Emerald Airlines, which has been operating the Aer Lingus Regional network since March 2022, is a separate company that owns the aircraft and employs pilots and cabin crew. It has bases in Dublin Airport and Belfast City Airport, and a 30-route network covering Ireland, Britain, and the Channel Islands. The airline recently expanded into Brittany with service from Dublin to Brest.
The airline offers 2.5 million seats on its aircraft this year. It was founded by aviation entrepreneur Conor McCarthy, who also chairs the business. Keith Butler serves as the CEO of Emerald Airlines.
The relationship between Aer Lingus and Emerald Airlines is such that Aer Lingus pledged to recognize the union before awarding the franchise to Emerald.
This background information provides a contextual understanding of Emerald Airlines’ operations and its significance in the aviation industry.
Industrial Action
The ongoing labor dispute revolves around issues of pay, working conditions, and the recognition of the pilots’ union.
The Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA) members have voted for industrial action due to the failure of Emerald Airlines to engage with them for a collective labor agreement.
Since June 24th, the pilots have been on a work-to-rule policy, which includes not being contactable outside of working hours and not accepting changes to rosters with less than 24 hours notice. This industrial action is likely to disrupt flight services.
Despite requests to meet and negotiate a collective agreement, the management of Emerald Airlines has ignored the pilots’ efforts and has not acknowledged or recognized their contributions.
Fórsa and IALPA officials are available for meaningful engagement, but the employer’s refusal to engage has made the action necessary.
Unless there is meaningful engagement, further escalation of the action is inevitable.
Aer Lingus Relationship
Aer Lingus has made a commitment to recognize the union prior to awarding the franchise to Emerald Airlines. This commitment signifies the importance of establishing a collective labor agreement and ensuring fair conditions for pilots.
The relationship between Aer Lingus and Emerald Airlines is crucial in addressing the ongoing industrial action by Aer Lingus Regional pilots. The dispute over pay, conditions, and union recognition has led to pilots escalating their industrial action.
However, the management of Emerald Airlines has ignored requests to meet and negotiate a collective agreement, disregarding the efforts and concerns of the pilots. Without meaningful engagement, further escalation of the industrial action appears inevitable.
By honoring their commitment to recognize the union, Aer Lingus can play a significant role in resolving the dispute and fostering a harmonious working relationship between the pilots and Emerald Airlines.
