Leaders of the pilots’ union are slated to gather on Tuesday to determine their position on a proposed 17.75% wage hike aimed at resolving their disagreement with Aer Lingus. This follows the airline’s assurance on Monday that they are in agreement with the Labour Court’s proposition, an attempt to put an end to the conflict that led to the cancellation of 548 flights, disrupting the travel plans of 82,000 passengers.
Key figures from the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (Ialpa), a branch of the Fórsa trade union, are expected to critically discuss the Labour Court’s suggestion on Tuesday and finally draw a decision. Should the proposed deal not get their approval, the union is poised to intensify the ongoing industrial action at the airline, where pilots are at present rejecting changes in work hours and schedules.
A union-wide vote among Aer Lingus members will be held after the union leaders have determined whether to advocate for the proposition or not. Union president, Capt. Mark Tighe, stated that the union would also verify its comprehension of certain aspects of the recommendation with the court, and emphasised that the industrial action would persist.
His statement read, “The union will keep pilots wholly informed about the specifics of the Labour Court’s recommendation.” Agreement from both parties is key to ending the dispute since the court’s recommendation is not enforceable on either party.
Aer Lingus urged Ialpa/Fórsa to endorse the deal and cease the industrial action, after the company’s acceptance was affirmed on Monday. Ialpa has been lobbying for a wage increase of over 20%, which it argues is necessary to offset inflation for its members.
They reason that the difference between their request and the company’s offer amounts to less than €5 million annually. The company and Ialpa representatives devoted more than three hours at the Labour Court last Wednesday and over nine hours the prior Monday.
The court put forth its suggestion this week, along with the pay increases, pilots’ allowances will also be enhanced. The court’s plan is for Aer Lingus to hike pilots’ wages by 17.75% over a span of more than three years, starting with a retroactive increase of 2% to January 2023 and ending with a final augment of 1% slated for July 1st, 2026.
In total, there will be eight transactions made. Four of these will be retrospectively adjusted, enabling a receipt of 10.75 per cent by the conclusion of the present year. The balance, a sum of 7 per cent, will be allocated between the months of January 2025 and July 2026.