IMPACT says pilots not to blame for crisis

An impact official, Mr Bernard Harbor, last night denied that the refusal of pilots to co- operate was causing a crisis at Aer Lingus.

"It's not accurate to say pilots are refusing to cooperate. The vast bulk of restructuring arrangements have been complied with," Mr Harbor said. "Pilots have agreed to a pay freeze and reductions in leave, saving the airline €12 million to date. We are prepared to discuss changes in work conditions but they have refused to talk.

"Friday's decision to cease operations is a deliberate attempt to go down the road of confrontation rather than consultation."

Explaining its decision to cease operations on Friday, Aer Lingus cited logistical problems and the threat of further industrial action.

However, IMPACT said no strike was planned for Friday, and any such action would have required giving the company seven days' notice.

"It is very financially destabilising for the company to say they will not fly from day to day," said Mr Harbor.

He added the reasons put forward by the airline for Friday's closure were "entirely bogus".

The company stressed tomorrow's board meeting was a scheduled one and did not reflect any financial emergency at the airline.

Both Aer Lingus and the Department of Public Enterprise denied reports that the company was considering going into examinership or receivership.

An Aer Lingus spokeswoman said it was aware of such rumours but stressed "they did not emanate from here".

Opposition parties, meanwhile, called for the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission in the pilots' dispute.

Fine Gael TD Mr Richard Bruton urged both sides "to step back from the brink".