The Irish Air Line Pilots Association has begun merger talks with IMPACT, the country's third largest union. IALPA has 540 members working in Aer Lingus, Ryanair and CityJet.
The executives of both unions have approved the merger and are confident of successfully concluding the negotiations. The merger would give IMPACT members in the private sector for the first time, thus creating opportunities for further expansion.
IMPACT already represents air traffic controllers and most other staff in the Irish Aviation Authority. IMPACT's deputy general secretary, Mr Shay Cody, said the merger would give the new union more than 1,000 members in civil aviation and make it the key union representing professional workers in the sector.
The IALPA president, Mr Dermot Moran, said his association is confident that the members will vote for the merger.