UUP man pleased that Aer Lingus Pilots are behind Belfast Operation
Following the last minute deal brokered between management and representatives of the Irish Pilots Union (IALPA) Cllr Mark Cosgrove the UUP spokesperson on Trade and Tourism met with a senior member of the IALTA team, Mr Michael McLaughlin, in Dublin on Tuesday night. Mr McLaughlin confirmed that his fellow members were involved in a series of secret ballots to determine a member mandate for the position recommended by the Pilots Unions negotiators but was “hopeful” of a positive outcome.
Cllr Cosgrove confirmed, “Mr McLaughlin was pleased that common sense prevailed and that a crisis had been averted and pledged his Unions full support for the impending Belfast launch. There was a concern that members of the public in Northern Ireland might be under the wrong impression regarding the commitment of the Aer Lingus Pilots to the success of the Belfast operation but I am very pleased to confirm that Mr McLaughlin and his colleagues are fully behind this business initiative”
This was the first in what both parties hope will be an ongoing partnership recognising the role that increased competition and routes has to play in facilitating the vitally important business and leisure travel sector in Northern Ireland and the part that the Pilots Union have to play in fostering close links with the Northern Ireland political establishment.”