United, Aer Lingus pilots sign agreeement.

Unions representing pilots in both United Airlines (ALPA - Airline Pilot's Association) and Aer Lingus (IALPA - Irish Airline Pilots Association) yesterday signed a 'protocol agreement' which brings the two groups together to protect the interest of pilots in both airlines in light of the recently announced joint venture by United and Aer Lingus to commence a Madrid - Washington service next year.

"It is imperative that we work together on both sides of the Atlantic to prevent the anti-labour aspects of this agreement from impacting pilots from our two airlines," said Captain Steve Wallach, chairman of the United MEC (Master Executive Council). "This partnership between United and Aer Lingus will set a dangerous precedent regarding international air travel where pilots on both sides of the Atlantic will pay a steep price. We will explore every regulatory, legislative and legal avenue to protect the rights and careers of our members."

"We are very pleased to have entered into this protocol agreement with the United pilots and we will be working with them to confront the challenges this partnership poses to both our pilot groups," said Captain Evan Cullen, president of IALPA. "We look forward to working with our United colleagues to explore every option to end our respective company's blatant disregard and lack of loyalty to their pilots, as well as to their corporate identities."