Flights grounded as pilots strike
Aer Lingus flights are virtually completely grounded this morning because of a strike by pilots.
The dispute over work rosters has forced thousands of passengers to change their flights.
The airline says it will close operations on Friday and Saturday even though pilots are prepared to return to work tomorrow.
It added that it will continue to suspend pilots who refuse to work the new rosters even if it means the airline’s entire fleet remains grounded.
Chief Executive Willie Walsh says they won’t pay pilots until passengers can be guaranteed a consistent schedule without disruption.
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is insisting this morning’s strike action isn’t necessary.
He says it’s essential the company’s survival plan be implemented. He disagrees that the row over rostering is a striking matter.
