Aer Lingus pilots are to ballot on strike action. The Irish Air Line Pilots' Association says the company has failed to give it commitments on job security for its members in the event of a strategic alliance with another airline. The ballot will be held over the next 10 days.
Aer Lingus expressed disappointment at the IALPA decision and last night called on the association to return to negotiations. However, IALPA said it had been trying to negotiate on the issue since June 1996 and its willingness to negotiate had not been reciprocated by the company.
If the dispute escalates it is not expected to affect services before the beginning of February at the earliest.