Aer Lingus Pilots Issue 15-Day Strike Notice Ireland’s Aer Lingus has been dealt a blow as its pilots have served a 15-day strike notice, threatening to disrupt summer travel plans. According to The Irish Times, the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) issued the notice on Wednesday, June 29th, after negotiations between the union and Aer Lingus management failed to reach an agreement. The proposed strike would begin on July 19th and would impact all Aer Lingus flights, including long-haul services to North America. The pilots are demanding improved pay and working conditions, claiming that they have been underpaid for years. Aer Lingus has expressed disappointment with the union’s decision, stating that it has offered a “fair and reasonable” pay increase. The airline has urged IALPA to reconsider its strike plans and to engage in further negotiations. The potential strike could have a significant impact on Irish tourism and the country’s economy. Aer Lingus is Ireland’s largest airline, carrying over 14 million passengers annually. The news of the strike notice has sparked concern among Irish travelers and businesses alike. Many are worried about the potential disruption to their summer vacations and the impact it could have on the tourism sector. The government has urged both sides to resolve their differences and avoid a strike. The Irish Aviation Authority has also issued a warning to passengers to be prepared for potential disruptions. Aer Lingus has stated that it is working on contingency plans to minimize the impact of the strike if it goes ahead. The airline has said it will be offering refunds or alternative travel arrangements to affected passengers. The strike notice comes at a challenging time for the airline industry, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic uncertainty.Aer Lingus has requested that its pilots provide at least 15 days’ notice of any potential summer strike. This request was made in an effort to minimize the impact on families and customers during the busy holiday season.Aer Lingus has requested that its pilots provide at least 15 days’ notice of any potential summer strike. This request was made in an effort to minimize the impact on families and customers during the busy holiday season. The airline has warned that a strike could cause significant disruptions and have a “devastating impact” on travelers. Talks between the airline and the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) are ongoing, but no agreement has yet been reached. Should IALPA decide to proceed with a work stoppage, they would be required to notify the airline at least seven days in advance. However, Aer Lingus has requested an extended notice period of 15 days, citing the potential magnitude of disruption caused by a strike. The company is reportedly willing to offer pay increases beyond what has been proposed so far, but insists that any deal include changes to working practices and productivity. In a letter to IALPA president Mark Tighe, Aer Lingus chief operating officer Adrian Dunne acknowledged the possibility of a strike and asked the union to provide 15 days’ notice. The airline maintains that this is the industry standard internationally. IALPA has not yet publicly responded to the request. The union’s general secretary has stated that IALPA will not comment while negotiations with the company are ongoing. The airline industry has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Aer Lingus has recently reported increased airfares. The union has argued that its members’ efforts to defend their living standards are not excessive, considering the company’s profits.Aer Lingus has asked its pilots to give 15 days’ notice of any summer strike action, as it seeks to avoid a repeat of the disruption caused by industrial action last year. The Irish Times understands the airline has written to the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) requesting the notice period after the union indicated it was prepared to ballot its members for strike action over pay and conditions. The airline said the request was “in line with international norms” and would allow it to “plan and mitigate the impact of any potential industrial action on our customers”. “We believe this is a reasonable request that will help us to minimise disruption to our customers and our business,” the airline said. IALPA has not yet responded to the request. However, sources said the union is likely to reject the proposal, arguing that it would give the airline too much time to prepare for strike action and undermine the effectiveness of any industrial action. The union is expected to ballot its members for strike action in the coming weeks. If the ballot is successful, it could lead to a summer of disruption for Aer Lingus customers. Last year, Aer Lingus was forced to cancel hundreds of flights after pilots took strike action over pay and conditions. The strike action caused chaos at Dublin Airport and cost the airline millions of euro. Aer Lingus has said it is committed to reaching a negotiated settlement with the union. However, it has also said it will not be “held to ransom” by the union. The airline has already taken steps to mitigate the impact of any potential strike action, including by increasing its fleet of aircraft and recruiting additional pilots.