IBEC, the Irish employers' group, said today that the planned 2-day strike next week by Aer Lingus pilots in connection with Belfast-based pilots' pay and conditions is a clear example of opportunism of the worst kind by members of the pilots union IALPA, aimed at causing maximum disruption to the traveling public whilst seeking to impose a veto on change in the airline.

IBEC Director Brendan McGinty, said: "Disrupting Aer Lingus flights next Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd is clearly a self serving measure by IMPACT and fails to recognise the requirement which the company has for a competitive cost base throughout its operations. This is a cynical attempt by the union representing the most highly paid group in the airline, who are resistant to change while using the traveling public as pawns in its dispute with the company."

"Both a Labour Court recommendation concerning cabin crew and the Flynn report, in the case of pilots earlier this year, supported the company's case that in view of the intensity of competitive pressures faced by Aer Lingus, it was necessary to implement a comprehensive Programme for Continuous Improvement in order to achieve cost reductions and support the growth strategy of the company to remain independent.

Critically, these also endorsed the company's position that it should be free to establish bases outside the jurisdiction and that, in doing so, pay, conditions of employment and work practices should be determined solely and exclusively by reference to local market conditions."

"Despite this, IALPA has thus far shown disregard for the outcome of the dispute resolution machinery agreed within the airline. If IALPA has any serious regard for the wider industrial peace commitments under the terms of the national agreement, 'Towards 2016', it should immediately withdraw its notice of industrial action without prevarication. This would allow for the fullest consideration of the Flynn Report findings by its pilot members in a calm and normal work environment."