Dispute at Stobart Air could ground Aer Lingus Regional flights

Cabin crew could serve strike notice on Irish airline Stobart Air on Friday, potentially grounding Aer Lingus Regional flights in coming days. Staff directly employed by Stobart Air in the Republic voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in a dispute over pay, conditions and union recognition. A spokesman indicated their trade union, Fórsa, could serve strike notice on the airline by Thursday. This could leave Stobart facing possible stoppages in as little as seven days. Stobart Air operates Aer Lingus Regional services, connecting the Republic with provincial airports in Britain, under a contract with the larger carrier. Any industrial action would hit these flights. Aer Lingus is not directly involved in the dispute between Fórsa and Stobart. The airline noted the ballot’s result but said it would wait for any notification of industrial action before commenting further. Fórsa says the dispute is over Stobart’s refusal to negotiate with the union on staff pay and working conditions.<br/>