A potential industrial strike by Aer Lingus pilots was averted as union leaders from the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa) backed a proposed pay increase of 17.75 per cent late on Wednesday. Despite this decision, some passengers are still likely to face disruptions due to previously cancelled flights in the coming week.
The union leaders agreed to propose the Labour Court-mediated deal to the Aer Lingus members, which would immediately end the work to rule action disrupting almost 86,000 passengers’ travel plans. The union sought essential clarifications from the Labour Court and Aer Lingus before deciding to support the deal.
Capt Mark Tighe, President of Ialpa, referred to the proposed pay rise as a “significant victory” for the pilots. However, due to lack of clarity on the union’s stance, on Wednesday morning the airline had already cancelled 25 flights until the upcoming Monday and Tuesday, which totals the number of cancellations to 573 since the initiation of the work to rule two weeks back.
While Aer Lingus has already endorsed the Labour Court’s recommendation, it is now up to Ialpa to present it for a members’ vote, set to start on Thursday and to conclude the following Tuesday.
With an offer of a 17.75% pay increase over three years and a rise in some allowances, the executive’s endorsement is expected to persuade most of the members to favour the agreement.
In the forthcoming days, Ialpa officials will arrange a members’ ballot and meet with Aer Lingus pilots, with its work to rule to be suspended during this period.
There were still concerns on Wednesday afternoon over certain issues like sick leave terms alterations and absenteeism of some pilots observing the work to rule, which seemed to potentially jeopardise the union endorsement.
The liaison between the firm and trade union subsequently eased the existing issues. Ialpa sought a pay raise of over 20% to counterbalance inflation for pilots, with negotiations with the firm leading to a softened position. Last Wednesday, Ialpa and Aer Lingus were present at the Labour Court for over three hours and the previous Monday for beyond nine hours. The court offered its suggestion this week.
The proposition was for a salary increase for Aer Lingus pilots of 17.75% spread over a duration exceeding three years. The increment would initiate with a backdated 2% starting from January 2023, culminating in a final rise of 1% effective from 1st July, 2026. The plan consists of eight payments in total, of which the first four would be backdated, leading to a 10.75% increase by the year’s end. The outstanding 7% would be compensated between January 2025 and July 2026.
In October 2022, the pilots’ union lodged its initial salary claim. However, they declined an offer made by a company pay tribunal of 12. 25% in January. Pursuing discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission and an initial hearing at the Labour Court in May did not succeed in bridging the gap between Ialpa and Aer Lingus.