Two more Aer Lingus pilots have been suspended for apparently refusing to work new rostering arrangements.
The move follows the suspension of a pilot on Wednesday, after which the union representing pilots called for a one-day strike on Thursday next.
Pilots at Aer Lingus are resisting new working structures put forward by an independent consultant following talks at the Labour Relations Commission.
Management at Aer Lingus confirmed this evening the pilots had been suspended for what it said was "their refusal to carry out instructions under the work practices arising from the ruling of the agreed arbitrator, Mr Jack Russell."
The statement read: "Aer Lingus is determined to implement the survival plan in full as the minimum required as the basis to return the airline to viability."