Aer Lingus management is meeting its pilots’ union today in an effort to prevent possible strike action in the next few weeks. 

The Irish Airline Pilots' Association (IALPA) are currently taking votes for industrial action, the results of which will be announced tomorrow. 

IALPA represents Aer Lingus’ 800 pilots – and it is demanding a 24% pay increase for staff. 

For senior staff, this could mean roughly a €50,000 pay increase. 

Business Editor Joe Lynam explained, when combined with long service increments and payments, senior pilots could earn over €349,000 annually. 

“Needless to say, the airline is very concerned about that,” he said. 

The Labour Court had previously suggested a 9.25% increase over 18 months, but this was refused by IALPA. 

The union said Aer Lingus management has failed to reverse many pandemic measures, including reduced pay scales for new staff members. 

It also said the pay increase proposed by the Labour Court does not reflect the €255 million profit the airline made last year. 

Aer Lingus has argued it made a loss of €82 million for the first quarter of 2024, although quarter one is typically the weakest quarter of the year for the airline. 

An Aer Lingus aircraft at Dublin Airport, 4-8-21. Image: Sam Boal /Rollingnews.ie

If IALPA members vote in favour of industrial action, Aer Lingus pilots could go on strike as early as the end of June. 

Industrial action could also include a work-to-rule, meaning they operate strictly according to their contracts. 

This could result in several delays and cancellations of flights during the busiest tourist season. 

Any form of industrial action will require seven days' notice from the union to the company. 

The airline previously branded the ballot unnecessary and warned it would disrupt passengers and other workers. 

It said pilots have received incremental pay rises each year since 2019 and are already well paid.