17.75% Pay Increase Settled Aer Lingus Pilots’ Long-Standing Dispute

Image Credit: Aer Lingus | Media Centre

Aer Lingus pilots have overwhelmingly voted to accept proposals aimed at resolving their prolonged pay dispute with the airline. This marks a significant milestone in a conflict that has led to widespread flight cancellations and travel disruptions.

The members of the Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA) have cast their votes in favor of the Irish Labour Court’s proposals, which include a 17.75% pay increase over four years. The electronic ballot, which opened on July 18th and closed on the morning of July 23rd, saw a turnout of 96%, with 85% of members voting to accept the deal.

Key Elements of the Pay Deal
The pay deal, endorsed by the IALPA executive, was recommended for acceptance by the Labour Court. According to IALPA President Capt Mark Tighe, the 85% approval from members indicates clear satisfaction with the agreement. Capt Tighe, speaking to the BBC’s Evening Extra program, expressed regret over the length of the dispute but emphasized the necessity of standing up for fair compensation.

The deal includes a structured series of payments over four years, culminating in a 19.2% increase in pilots’ pay by July 2026. Additionally, pilots on the lower end of the pay scale and recruits will see their pay increase by 30% as a result of the agreement.

The Impact of Industrial Action
The protracted dispute led to significant operational disruptions for Aer Lingus. Over 600 flights were canceled, affecting thousands of travelers. Pilots engaged in a series of industrial actions, including a work-to-rule campaign that began on June 26th and an eight-hour strike on June 29th.

Broader Implications and Union Support
The Fórsa trade union, an associate organization of IALPA, hailed the outcome as a significant victory for workers. The union emphasized the power of collective action in achieving better pay and working conditions. Capt Tighe noted that the Aer Lingus dispute is reflective of broader issues within industrial relations in Ireland. He argued that profitable companies need to share their success with employees and that workers’ salaries should be protected against inflation.

Structural Changes and Future Prospects
In addition to pay increases, the Labour Court’s recommendations include structural changes to pay scales. These changes involve the removal of a crewing agreement that previously allowed pilots to take more leave during the summer months. The termination of a debt owed by pilots to the company as part of that agreement was also included in the proposal.

Reasons Behind the Strikes
Aer Lingus pilots resorted to industrial action due to the prolonged pay dispute. The work-to-rule action and subsequent strike led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, impacting over 84,000 passengers. The IALPA executive suspended further industrial action after endorsing the proposed pay deal earlier this month, pending the outcome of the ballot.

Current Pay Structure and Future Increases
Before the recent pay increase, co-pilots’ salaries at Aer Lingus started at approximately €36,000 (£30,400), with packages increasing based on actual flying hours. According to reports, a captain at the top of the scale could earn about €287,000 (£242,000), although this could take up to 26 years. There are also differences in pay based on whether flights are short-haul or long-haul.

Flight Cancellations and Customer Impact
The industrial action by Aer Lingus pilots resulted in the cancellation of 610 flights. Of these, 573 were pre-planned cancellations, and 37 were on-the-day cancellations, affecting a total of over 84,000 passengers.

Compensation for Affected Passengers
Passengers whose flights were canceled due to the industrial dispute may be entitled to compensation. Aer Lingus has outlined several options for impacted customers, including:

• Refunds:
  Passengers can apply for a refund to the original form of payment for the full value of their flight. This can be done via cash, bank transfer, or cheque.
• Refund Vouchers:
  Customers can opt for a voucher equivalent to the full value of their flight. These vouchers are valid for use for five years from the date of issue.
• Alternative Flight Arrangements:
  Passengers may be able to change their flight online, with any fare difference reimbursed for changes within the same cabin type as the original booking.

Affected passengers will receive an email from Aer Lingus detailing whether their refund request has been successful. It is important to note that customers who booked through third-party travel agents or online agents may need to contact those agents directly to request a refund.

The resolution of the pay dispute between Aer Lingus and its pilots marks a significant development in the airline industry. The acceptance of the pay deal by IALPA members reflects their satisfaction with the agreement and underscores the power of collective bargaining. As the airline works to restore normal operations, the focus will now shift to ensuring that affected passengers receive the compensation and support they are entitled to. This resolution also highlights broader issues within industrial relations in Ireland, where the distribution of profits and protection against inflation remain key concerns for workers.

For more information, visit BBC’s comprehensive article