The Irish Airline Pilots' Association (IALPA) has commenced a ballot of pilots employed by ASL Airlines Ireland for industrial action, up to and including strike action.
ASL Airlines Ireland operates freight services on behalf of major global companies including Amazon, FedEx and DHL.
IALPA has accused ASL of refusing to engage with the union to negotiate a collective labour agreement for its pilots.
IALPA Vice President Daniel Langan said the union has made repeated attempts to engage ASL management in dialogue, but that these have not been responded to.
"Pilots at ASL want what their colleagues in other airlines already have. That is a fair and transparent system for negotiating terms and conditions through their chosen representative body," Mr Langan said.
"The company’s refusal to even meet with IALPA is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of good industrial relations."
"This ballot reflects the frustration and determination of our members to secure recognition," he added.
The ballot opened today and will close next Friday 7 November.
ASL Airlines said it would not be commenting on the matter at this time.
