Union representing pilots on Donegal route hope to resolve dispute

Fórsa trade union has written to management at Emerald airlines proposing a meeting early next week, with a view to resolving the current dispute involving pilots at the company.

Pilots at Emerald Airlines, the carrier which holds the regional service franchise for Aer Lingus served notice of an escalation of industrial action which came into effect on Tuesday, July 25, last. Emerald pilots have been engaged in a strict work-to-rule since June 24, which escalated this week. Fórsa issued notice to Emerald Airlines on Thursday, July 28, that pilots are to engage in a 24-hour stoppage next Friday, August 4.

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Emerald Airlines operates regional flights, including the Dublin to Donegal service on behalf of Aer Lingus and UK regional routes trading as Aer Lingus Regional.

Responding to correspondence sent by Emerald on Friday, July 28, Fórsa national secretary Katie Morgan said the union is committed to meaningful engagement with the airline. She added the union remains committed to negotiating a proper collective labour agreement on behalf of the union’s pilot members and welcomed Emerald’s willingness to meet on the matter.

Noting Emerald’s request that the union cease all current and planned industrial action, Ms Morgan proposed a meeting to take place at 10am on Monday, July 31, and that the union would agree to a temporary suspension of industrial action “to allow for meaningful engagement.”

Emerald Airlines operates regional flights, including the Dublin to Donegal service on behalf of Aer Lingus and UK regional routes trading as Aer Lingus Regional.

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The pilots are members of IALPA, the professional association which represents pilots within Ireland, and a branch of Fórsa trade union. 

The union say the ongoing industrial action is in response to the airline’s failure to engage with them to form a collective labour agreement for pilots employed at the carrier.