Travel chaos alert for thousands of Irish as Aer Lingus pilots vote for strike

THOUSANDS of Irish holidaymakers could be impacted by major travel chaos this year after Aer Lingus pilots doubled down on strike action.

Aer Lingus pilots have again voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action this summer.

The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa) has said they are now consulting its umbrella union Forsa over next steps.

They currently represent nearly 800 pilots at Aer Lingus.

The union has said that pilots are now “more determined than ever” to secure the 24 per cent pay claim.

Results of a fresh ballot that took place over the weekend have been counted today.

The results show that an overwhelming majority are still seeking an almost 24 per cent pay rise from the airline.

This would see the most senior pilots get nearly a €50,000 a year pay rise, bringing their annual pay to €256,000.

On top of this, the figure could go as high as €349,000 a year when long service increments and flight pay are factored in.

Senior pilots at Aer Lingus are also given a massive pension contribution from the airline at a rate of 21 per cent.

IALPA president Captain Mark Tighe said the result of the second ballot was “an incredible reaffirmation of our mandate for industrial action in pursuit of a meaningful pay offer”. 

He said: “It is unconscionable that an employer would attempt to undermine our members’ democratic and constitutional right to vote for industrial action.

“The effect of Aer Lingus management’s intervention last week has served only to further antagonise pilots. They are now more determined than ever.

“This ballot has reaffirmed the commitment of our members to stand up to management.”

Captain Tighe added: “Our pay claim of 23.8 per cent is to ensure that pilots’ pay has the same purchasing power as it did in 2019, and reflects the enormous increase in profits enjoyed by Aer Lingus.

“Last year, they reported €225 million profit – an increase of 400 per cent on the previous year. 

“Our colleagues in British Airways secured a 24 per cent increase in 2019, while Lufthansa pilots received a 27 per cent increase.”