Aer Lingus pilots suspend strike ahead of vote after union leaders back pay rise offer

AER Lingus pilots are suspending their strike after union leaders agreed to a pay rise offer late on Wednesday evening.

IALPA, the professional organisation of Irish pilots, has voted to accept an agreement before the Labour Court that provides for a pay increase of 17.75 percent over a four-year period.

This means that the pilots’ union is temporarily suspending its industrial action until a vote takes place among its members.

The union added that it would hold a “series of discussions” with pilots ahead of the vote, which is due to take place later this month.

In a statement this evening, IALPA, a branch of the Fórsa union, said: “The Pilot Body will take immediate action to resume the ongoing service to rule that has been in place since 26 June.^th June, subject to the outcome of a vote.

“Following the communication from the Employment Tribunal today (Wednesday) and further clarifications from Aer Lingus, IALPA met and passed a motion recommending the adoption of the Employment Tribunal’s recommendation.

“The union will hold a series of discussions with its members before voting on the terms of the Labour Court’s recommendation next week.”

Aer Lingus had already accepted the recommendation.

IALPA President Mark Tighe called the salary increase proposed in the recommendation a “significant victory” for pilots.

Aer Lingus had previously cancelled dozens of other flights scheduled for next week as the ongoing fare dispute causes travel chaos for consumers.

Cancelled flights

The 25 canceled flights were scheduled to depart on Monday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 16.

In an earlier statement, Aer Lingus said: “Customers affected by these recent cancellations will have the option to change their flights free of charge. They can also request a refund or voucher.”

“These options will be communicated directly to affected customers and travel agents and up to date information on all options can also be found on the Aer Lingus Travel Advice page.

“Aer Lingus fully understands customers’ concerns about the uncertainty caused by Ialpa’s industrial action and is offering affected customers as many options as possible.”