Aer Lingus pilots have initiated a strike demanding a 24% pay increase, leading to the suspension of 270 flights and affecting thousands of passengers. The strike began with a work-to-rule action, avoiding overtime, starting at midnight, and will be followed by an eight-hour strike on June 29.
Negotiations between the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) and Aer Lingus representatives at the Labor Court ended without resolution. Despite appeals from Prime Minister Simon Harris to resolve the issue without striking, both sides held firm. The Labor Court stated that no progress was made as neither party was willing to compromise.
The pilots’ union argues that the 24% pay hike is justified due to inflation since the last increase in 2019 and highlights the company’s recent 400% profit surge. In contrast, Aer Lingus has offered a 12.5% raise, suggesting additional increases could be possible with improved efficiency.
The strike has caused significant disruption, particularly impacting passengers traveling during the holiday period.