Aer Lingus pilots have firmly rejected an independent arbitrator's proposal to change their working conditions, potentially jeopardising the loss-making airline's rescue plan. Members of the Impact trade union voted by 635 to three votes to reject new rostering arrangements, describing them as "draconian" since they are based on international legal minimum standards. The pilots, who have already agreed to a pay freeze, cuts in leave, and reduced staffing, are "available for discussions" with management. Although they say they are not "envisaging" strike action, they have not ruled it out if the Irish flag carrier seeks to impose the changes. Aer Lingus says it is "going ahead" with the changes to pilot work-rules, to boost productivity. In the same ballot, Impact members backed the arbitrator's recommendations on voluntary redundancies.
Source: Flight International
