Aer Arann Pilots Vote To Strike

The pilots of Irish regional carrier Aer Arann voted last month by a 91-percent margin to initiate a pair of two-day strikes starting August 20. Plans called for the strikes to affect Aer Arann-coded flights and regional flights it operates on behalf of Aer Lingus.

According to the Impact trade union, the dispute stems from management’s refusal to end a pay freeze in place since 2008 and restore 10-percent pay cuts carried out in 2009. According to the union, no justification exists for continuing the austerity measures now that the company has returned to a sound commercial footing with a new, “lucrative” long-term franchise agreement with Aer Lingus.