Updated 23.05pm

TALKS TO AVOID strike action by Aer Arann are underway this evening. Representatives from the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association began talks with Aer Arann at 5pm today with the hope of averting the planned strike next week.

A strike is planned for next Tuesday after Aer Arann pilots voted by a 91 per cent margin in favour of industrial action. The decision was taken over a pay row.

Pay

A spokesperson for the IMPACT trade union previously stated that the current dispute centres  on the refusal by management to end a pay freeze and restore pay cuts implemented when the airline was in financial trouble. The pay freeze has been in place since 2008 and was followed by further cuts in 2009.

The strike, if it goes ahead, will affect Aer Arran flights and regional flights operated on behalf of Aer Lingus.

A statement from air line confirmed that talks between Aer Arann management and pilot representatives commenced earlier today but the statement went on to say they would be making no further comment at this time.

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