Talks under way at Aer Lingus Regional operator over union recognition

Pilots and management at Aer Lingus Regional operator Emerald Airlines will meet for a second time in two weeks in a bid to resolve a dispute over trade union recognition. Members of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA), a branch of trade union Fórsa, at Emerald have suspended all industrial action pending the outcome of talks with management on a dispute that dates back to April. The sides met on Monday morning to discuss the union’s claim for recognition. Neither issued a statement afterwards but it is understood they will meet again in mid-August to continue talks. Fórsa earlier confirmed that pilots had suspended all industrial action, including notification of a one-day strike planned for August 4th, ahead of meeting management. Katie Morgan, the union’s national secretary, said it hoped to reach agreement with Emerald to negotiate a collective agreement covering pilots’ terms and conditions. Emerald is a separate company to Aer Lingus, but operates the IAG member airline’s regional service, mostly connecting Ireland with Britain, under a contract.<br/>