IALPA welcomes Aer Lingus recognition
Wednesday, 19 September 2007 13:37
The Irish Airline Pilots Association has said the proposal by Aer Lingus management to recognise the union at its Belfast base is a welcome development.
The association said it is still considering the details of a letter to pilots from the airline.
It also described as welcome the company's willingness to facilitate transfers to Belfast without a requirement to resign, as had previously been the case.
It added, however, that many important issues remain to be resolved.
The proposals aim to break the deadlock over the company's plans to establish a new base in Belfast.
In a letter to pilots, Chief Executive Dermot Mannion said pilots from the Republic may transfer permanently or on temporary secondment, but must accept different terms and conditions while in Belfast.
He was adamant that the airline would not import existing agreements or seniority to the new base, which is due to go into operation on 10 December.
Pilots transferring permanently must move to the lower terms and conditions in Belfast Airport (left). They must also leave the guaranteed pension in the Republic and join a new Defined Contribution scheme in Northern Ireland.
Some pilots may be seconded for up to five years. During that time they will be on Belfast terms and conditions but will revert to Republic terms if they move back. They retain their guaranteed pension rights and service.
First officer salaries will range from £40,000 to £50,000, while captains can earn from £76,000 to £96,520. Promotions to captain positions in Belfast would be on merit not seniority.
The pilots are expected to issue counter proposals after considering this latest document.