Aer Lingus claimed no significant progress was made, accusing the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) of demanding unsustainable pay increases.

IALPA pilots have begun voting on industrial action, with results due tomorrow. IALPA recommends voting in favour of action, including strikes.

Last week, pilots rejected a Labour Court recommendation for a 9.25% pay increase, far below their 23.8% demand. Aer Lingus said today’s discussions saw no progress, as IALPA’s pay demands exceeded 20% without productivity increases.

Aer Lingus offered to involve the Workplace Relations Commission, which IALPA rejected, preferring direct negotiations. IALPA stated talks ended when Aer Lingus insisted on productivity changes for higher pay.

IALPA argues current offers don’t account for inflation, Aer Lingus’s profits, or pandemic sacrifices by pilots. The union criticizes management for not reversing pandemic pay cuts for new entrants.

Aer Lingus calls IALPA’s ballot unnecessary and warns of disruption to customers and staff. The airline blames IALPA for risking investment, growth, and jobs, citing lost opportunities to secure new Airbus aircraft due to the dispute.