Aer Lingus pilots have confirmed that they are beginning a work to rule from midnight in a dispute over rosters.
However, they say they do not believe that their action, which will include refusing to work on days off, should have any impact on passengers or services - provided the airline is properly managed.
President of the Irish Airline Pilots Association Evan Cullen said they had sought a copy of the summer 2011 schedule from management so the pilots could draw up rosters for that period in a 'more humane' way than management has done to date.
Mr Cullen said parts of last summer's roster were 'inconsistent with any sort of understanding of family life'.
The Association stress that it is not trying to undermine productivity or cost base changes recently agreed in a restructuring plan.
Aer Lingus described the pilots' action as 'outrageous', particularly at a time of extreme economic uncertainty for the entire nation.
The airline said good progress had been made in recent discussions.
The airline said it did not anticipate immediate disruption to its flight schedule. However, it added that the planned industrial action was 'unpredictable in nature'.
Aer Lingus said it would do all in its power to prevent any disruption to travel plans and will keep customers informed if any disruption is imminent.
