Aer Lingus strike 'still on'

Aer Lingus has rejected an offer from pilots threatening to strike to call off the action, according to reports.

The union representing the pilots in question, Impact, said that the airline yesterday turned down its proposal to cancel the 48-hour strike next week. The strike is set to take place from midnight on Tuesday August 21st, with any further dates to be confirmed.

Aer Lingus said it intends to operate a "limited" European flight schedule during the strike by using hire-in aircraft.

Passengers who prefer to reschedule their bookings or change the selected destination with no extra charge can do so, however. Further details on the specific affected routes are expected to be announced shortly.

The strike is taking place due to pilot concerns that the airline intends to hire staff for its proposed Belfast base on lower wages compared with those in Dublin.

Aer Lingus announced details of its plans for the Belfast base and intention to move flights to Heathrow Airport from Shannon to the Northern Irish capital earlier this month.

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