Aer Lingus pilots are pushing for a significant salary increase, with their union, IALPA, moving towards a full strike. This action could have serious repercussions on both domestic and international tourism.
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Last weekend, a ballot was held among the pilots, with 89% of members participating. Initially, there were doubts about the results of the electronic voting, prompting a re-vote using paper ballots to ensure accuracy.
Captain Mark Tighe, president of IALPA, stated that pilots are seeking a 23.8% pay rise. He emphasized that Aer Lingus is in a strong financial position, having made a profit of 225 million euros last year. This figure represents a 400% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the company’s robust performance.
The potential strike comes as pilots feel their demands for better compensation are justified by the airline’s significant profits. If a strike occurs, it could disrupt travel plans and impact the tourism sector significantly.
Negotiations between the pilots and Aer Lingus management are ongoing, as both sides aim to reach an agreement and avoid a strike that would affect many passengers.