Sir, - For too long Aer Lingus pilots have been getting away with unopposed outrageous statements, and the most recent letter from Enda Gavigan is a classic example of its type. Not so long ago his colleague, Captain Murphy, had the temerity to suggest that Aer Lingus captains should be on the same salary scale as the Attorney General. This unique suggestion was greeted by the deafening, and disbelieving, silence that it deserved.
This same gentleman more recently suggested that his pilot colleagues operate in a health hazard environment, i.e. being exposed to cosmic radiation and ultra violet rays, etc. And his answer? More money, to compensate for these unsubstantiated threats, which apparently could be eradicated by a higher salary!
Mr Gavigan has unwittingly shown the true position of his union colleagues. Not alone is it unreasonable to expect a bankrupt airline to meet a 17 per cent pay rise for one section of its workforce, but to compare his lot to the pilots of Ryanair and Translift goes beyond the bounds of credulity. Is he aware that these airlines have never received financial assistance from either this State or the EU? Despite this fact, they survive and make profits, due to the positive efforts of their air and ground staff.
Mr Gavigan should do the right thing! Desist from this ingrained begrudgery of the smaller, successful Irish airlines, and apply for a position with them while he still has his youth and health.
Yours, etc.,
Castleknock Road.
Dublin 15.