Aer Lingus failed to make a breakthrough in talks with its pilots union to try to end industrial action which will see an eight-hour strike on Saturday.
The breakdown in discussions yesterday (Thursday) dashed hopes that the Irish Airline Pilots Association (Ialpa) would end an indefinite work to rule which has so far led to the cancellation of 270 flights.
The Iapla executive is due to meet today to consider a potential escalation of industrial action.
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The airline was reported by Irish media to be assessing whether the strike and other industrial action will require further cancellations out to July 3, 4 and 5.
Ialpa president Capt Mark Tighe told the BBC that an escalation “can’t be ruled out”.
The Irish Travel Agents Association had called for both sides to find a solution to prevent further disruption.
But Aer Lingus said: “The discussions did not progress to a point where a resolution could be reached and they were ended by Ialpa.
“Ialpa indicated that it did not have a mandate from its members to discuss productivity and flexibility– matters which are essential in any pay negotiations.
“Aer Lingus suggested to Ialpa that it should consider taking steps to adjust its mandate so that meaningful discussions on pilot pay can take place.”
The airline said it “engaged constructively” in the meeting to try to find a resolution to the pay dispute.
“The airline sought to discuss issues involving improvements to productivity and flexibility including modernisation of agreements that could help build a pay increase for pilots beyond the 12.25% increase that had been agreed with all other collectively bargained groups,” Aer Lingus added.
“Pilots are on strike for eight hours on Saturday – it would seem that this would be an opportune time for Ialpa to meet pilots to adjust Ialpa’s mandate so that it is capable of engaging in meaningful negotiations that can resolve this dispute.”
Ireland’s Labour Court indicated to both parties on Tuesday that it would respond positively to a joint referral of the dispute for its assistance.
“In this context, Aer Lingus is willing to proceed with a formal joint referral to the Labour Court and calls on [parent Irish public service union] Forsa to agree to such a formal joint referral.”
All Aer Lingus UK regional flights, operated by Emerald Airlines, and Aer Lingus UK transatlantic flights to and from Manchester will operate as scheduled.