Aer Lingus pilots reject Labour Court’s 9.5pc pay rise proposal

Labour Court has previously criticised what it said was a “lack of realism and common sense” during talks

The rejection of the interim proposal in a vote by the main pilot union follows months of tortious negotiations between the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) and the airline.

It also raises the likelihood that a deal won’t be reached during the summer, with the two sides still leagues apart in terms of demands. Aer Lingus said it remains available for talks.

The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association has been holding out for a 27pc pay increase over three years, while Aer Lingus has offered 12.25pc. The proposal by the carrier included 3.75pc to pay for a 2019 crewing agreement, while the union’s demand included 7pc to cover the cost of the 2019 deal. That meant the proposed net increases from the airline would be 8.5pc, compared to the 20pc sought by the union.

An independent Pilot Pay Tribunal had last year recommended a 12.25pc increase in consolidated pay and a…