It has been a difficult day. It has been a day that some of us have never imagined and all of us will never forget.
Today, after our picket of Dublin airport, we were addressed by the vice-president of the American Airlines pilot association, APA.
He spoke of the pilots of Lan Chile, who are now an association broken assunder. He spoke of Cathay Pacific, who have seen 49 of their pilots sacked for being union representatives. We see the road ahead, the ugly new oneworld.
We feel that today, in standing up to this rabid management, that we are saying on behalf of the past and future victims of the thirdworld approach, no more.
Our Chief Executive, a former pilot, has clearly stated his intentions. It is the complete destruction of the Irish Airline Pilots Association. We will not let this happen. We will hold the line.
This is a difficult time. We are without pay, and with little support in our own airline. We would like to thank all of those who have expressed support, in whatever way. Our special thanks to our oneworld colleagues who realise they are next.
We believe in this battle. We will see it to the end. We will hold the line.
Last edited by cluckingbell; 30th May 2002 at 20:08.