Parcel threat as ASL pilots call third strike action but say they will meet airline for talks

"The string of strikes will pose a headache for ASL's delivery firm clients in the busy final run-up to Christmas, when parcel services are under intense pressure. The Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa) said its members have served notice of a third strike, for the days leading up to Christmas. Ialpa pilots at the airline will take part in a 16-hour strike tomorrow beginning at 5pm with pickets taking place outside their Dublin headquarters and at the ASL Leipzig office."

"The WRC has requested that Ialpa and ASL engage under its conciliation service with an aim to resolving the dispute prior to industrial action taking place. Our members have engaged with the company in good faith for weeks with the clear aim of securing a recognition agreement and beginning negotiations on a collective labour agreement. Instead of engaging, ASL has chosen to walk away from the table multiple time, we welcome the intervention of the WRC and hope to find resolution for our members."

ASL Airlines handles air freight for major clients including Amazon, FedEx, DHL and UPS and employs about 300 pilots. Members of the pilots' union have served notice of a third strike and will begin a 16-hour walkout tomorrow from 5pm with pickets in Dublin and Leipzig. Additional 16-hour strikes are scheduled on Thursday and a strike is planned from 5pm on Monday 22 December to midnight on 24 December, with a work-to-rule also commencing on 22 December. ASL requested suspension of strike action pending talks; pilots refused, but both parties will attend WRC conciliation tomorrow at 10.30am. Pilots seek recognition and collective labour agreement after weeks of engagement.

Read at Irish Independent