Aer Lingus: Pilots' action 'will cause cancellations'
What percentage pay increase are the Aer Lingus pilots demanding, and how does this compare to the increase offered by the Labour Court?
The Aer Lingus pilots are demanding a 24% pay increase, while the Labour Court has offered a 9.25% increase as part of an interim settlement. The pilots have overwhelmingly rejected the Labour Court's recommendation, stating that it does not account for inflation, the airline's profits, and the sacrifices made by pilots during the Covid pandemic.
What specific industrial action have Aer Lingus pilots planned to commence from June 26?
Aer Lingus pilots, members of the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (IALPA), have planned an indefinite work-to-rule action from June 26 as part of an ongoing pay dispute6. This industrial action will involve pilots refusing to work overtime, not accepting or working any amendments to published rosters, not logging into the Aer Lingus portal or 'e-crew' outside work hours, and not answering phone calls outside of work hours2. The airline has warned that this action will inevitably result in significant disruption to customers and employees, potentially causing flight cancellations.
How did the pilots of Aer Lingus vote regarding the proposed industrial action?
The pilots of Aer Lingus, who are members of the Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA), voted overwhelmingly in favor of industrial action, up to and including strike action4. In a ballot that concluded on Wednesday afternoon, 98% of members who voted indicated they were in favor of industrial action in support of their claim for increases totaling 23.8% over three and a half years. The turnout was also said to be 98%.