Irish travel agents hail end of Aer Lingus pilots’ pay dispute

Deal to end disruption sees pay rise of 17.75%

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Jul 23, 2024 - 21:04
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Irish travel agents hail end of Aer Lingus pilots’ pay dispute

Irish travel agents have welcomed the ending of flight disruption as Aer Lingus pilots backed a 17.75% pay rise to resolve a pay dispute.

The dispute hit almost 86,000 travellers at the start of the summer peak holiday season.

Members of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa) voted 85% in favour of the deal, tabled by Ireland’s Labour Court, in a ballot that has run since last Thursday.

More: Updated: Breakthrough as Aer Lingus pilots agree to suspend industrial action

Irish agents call for end to Aer Lingus pilots dispute in fresh talks today

The move brings an end to the pay dispute with Aer Lingus that led to a work to rule and strike that hit the airline’s operations in June.

The Labour Court recommended the 17.75% increase two weeks ago after hearing both sides five days earlier.

Irish Travel Agents Association chief executive Clare Dunne said: “It is a good day for the travelling public and we are delighted with the decision by Ialpa pilots to accept this pay deal. 

“This is a very positive development for intending travellers and the tourism sector.

“The Itaa have consistently stated that compromise and engagement between Ialpa and Aer Lingus was the way only forward and best for every stakeholder involved, most importantly the customer.”