Irish travellers could be hit by further travel chaos this summer. 

Trade unions representing Aer Lingus ground staff and cabin crew are meeting today to discuss the pay rise awarded to pilots.

Last week, Aer Lingus pilots formally voted to accept a pay rise of 17.75% following weeks of industrial action and uncertainty for passengers. 

Now, there could be more disruption on the horizon as the likes of cabin crew, cleaners and caterers consider whether they too should ask for more. 

Last year, ground staff secured a 12.25% increase - but it can be revisited if other workers got a better deal.

Aer Lingus pilots on strike. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Employment law expert Professor Michael Doherty said he does not expect another strike in the near future. 

“The dispute that happened would have had a fairly big impact on Aer Lingus in terms of cancellations, compensation, and forward bookings,” he said. 

“I think it would be in the minds of unions and their members that, ‘Do we really want to go again so closely after that?’

“I certainly wouldn’t expect any action over the summer.”

Organisations under the umbrella of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions are meeting today to discuss if and how they might pursue the matter.

Main image: An Aer Lingus aircraft at Dublin Airport. Picture by: Image: Sam Boal /Rollingnews.ie