Pilots threatened with suspension

Aer Lingus will suspend pilots who do not help recruit staff

Aer Lingus has threatened to suspend pilots if they fail to co-operate with recruiting, assessing and training staff for their new base in Belfast.

In a letter to pilots, management said assisting with the recruitment, assessment and training of pilots is a integral part of their duties.

The letter said it expected pilot's co-operation from 1000 BST on Tuesday.

It said any pilot who failed to carry out these duties when instructed would be suspended with immediate affect.

The pilots have been in dispute with Aer Lingus over its plans for the new Belfast base which is due to begin operation on 10 December.

It is believed that the pilots' union IALPA had previously instructed members not to co-operate with the recruitment and assessment process for Belfast.

Union representatives and Aer Lingus management are meeting on Monday to discuss the company's pay freeze.

SIPTU said that the company's cost-cutting plan equates to industrial blackmail of its workers.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, union representatives said they would again demand the company comply with the National Agreement T16.

They will be asking the company to reverse its decision to withhold a pay increase due under the Agreement on 1 October and future plans to withhold the next phase of the pay plan due in April.

The unions have not ruled out industrial action.