Pilots at Aer Lingus have informed management that they plan to begin work-to-rule industrial action from June 26 for an indefinite period in a dispute over pay, a move the Irish airline said will lead to 'significant disruption.'
The Irish Air Lines Pilots’ Association (IALPA) said in a statement that pilots would not work overtime or answer phone calls outside of work hours because management had 'failed to provide us with a meaningful offer on pay.'
'Industrial Action'
Aer Lingus, part of the IAG group, which also owns British Airways and Iberia, said in a note to customers on Wednesday that it was 'currently assessing the impact of the full detail of the industrial action.'
IALPA has rejected a 9.25% pay increase proposed by the Irish Labour Court and says it is seeking 24% to compensate for several years of inflation and cuts during the COVID pandemic.
Travel Demand
In February, IAG noted it had more than doubled its operating profit last year and gave a positive outlook for 2024 on the back of sustained travel demand.
IAG's full-year operating profit was €3.5 billion, up from €1.22 billion in 2022, while its debt, which has been a concern to investors and has weighed on its shares, fell to €9.2 billion from €10.4 billion.
Growth Strategy
"In 2023, IAG more than doubled its operating margin and profit compared to 2022, generated excellent free cash flow and strengthened its balance sheet position," IAG CEO Luis Gallego said in a statement.
The group said it would continue investing in BA in particular as part of its growth strategy and that it would aim to improve its website and customer service.
