The Irish Airline Pilot’s Association (IALPA) have voted in favour of industrial action, which includes strikes at Aer Lingus.
Talks are underway to reach an agreement between Aer Lingus pilots and management to avoid impact for passengers.
Pilots are seeking pay increases of over 20%, and 97.7% voted to strike otherwise.
Flights will possibly be grounded for weeks if the pilots go ahead with the demonstration.
Due to this, the airline has called the development “unnecessary and regrettable”.
However, IALPA Captain Mark Tighe said he can’t understand why Aer Lingus can’t meet their needs.
“We have not yet made substantial progress – management seem to be stuck on a cost of under €3 million from an outstanding pilot agreement,” he said.
Tighe went on to say that with the projected profits set to increase over the years, they find it hard to believe that a pay rise is not possible.
“We ask management to realise that our claim for inflation is a reasonable claim and to pay it.”
Angela Walsh, President of the the Irish Travel Agents Association, has called for an immediate resolution.
“Any pilot strike over the summer months will cause serious impact for both holidaymakers and corporate travellers, as we are in the busiest travel period of the year, with knock on effects on accommodation reservations and connecting travel,” she said.
Walsh has urged the airline to consider the consumer and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
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