Aer Lingus pilots, represented by the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA), have decided to suspend their ongoing industrial action following a recommendation from the Labour Court. This decision comes after a series of negotiations aimed at resolving a long-standing dispute over pay and working conditions.
The Labour Court has proposed a pay increase of 17.75% for the pilots, to be implemented over a four-year period. This recommendation includes incremental raises starting from January 2023 and continuing through to July 2026. The proposed pay deal also includes the elimination of 2022 pay scales and changes to rostering and summer leave agreements.
IALPA’s executive committee met and voted to recommend that its members accept the Labour Court’s proposal. As a result, the union has agreed to suspend the work-to-rule action that has been in place since June 26, pending the outcome of a ballot on the proposed pay deal. The union will hold a series of meetings with its members to discuss the terms of the Labour Court’s recommendation before the ballot takes place.
Aer Lingus has welcomed the union’s decision to suspend industrial action and has expressed hope that the balloting process will be completed swiftly. The airline has faced significant disruptions due to the strike, with hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of passengers affected. The suspension of the strike is expected to bring relief to holidaymakers and other travelers who have been impacted by the ongoing dispute.
The industrial action began with an eight-hour strike on June 29, during which pilots picketed at Dublin Airport. The strike led to the cancellation of 120 flights, affecting up to 17,000 passengers. The pilots were demanding a pay rise to account for increases in the cost of living since their last wage hike in 2019. Aer Lingus had initially resisted the pilots’ demands, citing the need for productivity and flexibility concessions.
The Labour Court’s involvement has been crucial in bringing both parties to the negotiating table. The court’s recommendation aims to balance the pilots’ demands for higher pay with the airline’s need for operational efficiency. The proposed pay deal is seen as a significant win for the pilots, who have been advocating for better pay and working conditions for several years.
As the balloting process begins, both Aer Lingus and IALPA are hopeful that the proposed pay deal will be accepted, allowing for a resolution to the dispute and a return to normal operations. The outcome of the ballot will be closely watched by all stakeholders, including passengers, airline management, and the broader aviation industry.
