Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Victoria Jones/PA
Pilot Strike

Negotiators have less than 48 hours to avert an Irish pilot strike

Unite trade union said CityJet pilots will withdraw labour in less than two days unless there is a breakthrough.

TRADE UNION UNITE has said the first of 13 strike days by its CityJet pilots will go ahead if no progress is made at pay talks.

Negotiators have less than 48 hours to come to a deal after 82% of its pilots had earlier voted to escalate their industrial action.

Unite’s regional officer, Willie Quigley, said: “Unite has always stated that we are willing to engage meaningfully with CityJet, and we have now accepted the invitation extended by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

However, unless tangible progress is made our members will be proceeding with the strike action scheduled to start at 00.01 hours this Thursday.

Last week, CityJet pilots pledged to strike during 13 days in November and December following a row with management over several issues, including pay.

The company said it does not envisage that the strikes will cause any disruptions to flights and it is looking to engage with the WRC to resolve outstanding issues.

‘Pain in my backside’

However, Unite claims the airline has refused to allow the WRC to refer the dispute to the Labour Court.

Speaking to Fora, Cityjet executive chairman Byrne said that the company is willing to thrash out issues, but he claimed that Unite was being unreasonable.

“I have a pain in my backside from Unite, because we have tried to negotiate a new pay deal, new terms and conditions with our pilots,” he said.

Unfortunately, every time we’ve done it, and we’ve been through the machinery, they don’t want to talk about the pay deal.

Read: Government to oppose Greens’ bid to ban microbeads as it is in breach of EU rules >

Read: Man forced stepdaughter to wear dog collar as he carried out abuse, court hears >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
8
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.