Aer Lingus has already cancelled 270 flights due to strike and industrial action, with an eight-hour walkout set to be held on Saturday.
The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association has announced a strike on June 29, from 5am to 1pm, in addition to its indefinite work-to-rule.
The union is seeking a 24 per cent pay rise that it says the airline can afford after its €255m (£216m) profit last year.
Members voted in favour of the action by 99 per cent.
A message to our customers:
— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) June 21, 2024
The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) has announced a strike on 29 June 2024 from 5am to 1pm, in addition to the existing work to rule action from 26 June. This will cause major disruption to our customers. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/T1LABKBMFg
Aer Lingus said: “Industrial action at this time of year would cause very significant disruption and have a devastating impact on customers and their families going into the summer holiday season.”
The indefinite work-to-rule commenced on Wednesday, with pilots now refusing to work overtime, accept changes to set rosters, or take on out-of-hours management requests.
The travel plans of tens of thousands of passengers have been affected, with the airline offering refunds or alternative flights to those whose trips have been axed.
This is what it can mean for you and what you can do.
What are the Aer Lingus strike dates?
Members of the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association will walk out from 5am to 1pm on Saturday, June 29.
But, beyond this, the airline has, from this week, been conducting a “strict work to rule” for an indefinite period.
How will it affect flights?
Aer Lingus has been forced to ground at least 26 flights per day since the work to rule was confirmed.
Union members have not been working overtime, only working on published rosters, not logging into the intranet outside of work hours and not answering calls.
This will hugely disrupt flights the instant bad weather strikes, there are problems, or there is illness among crew or passengers.
What to do if your flight is affected
The airline has said that anyone impacted will be told over email or SMS.
If you decide not to travel, you can request a full refund.
The airline will likely push consumers to accept a voucher for future travel.
There is a slim chance you might be able to get the same flight in the future for a cheaper price and then be refunded the difference.
If you decide to go ahead, Aer Lingus has a responsibility to get passengers to their destination as soon as possible – even if it means buying a ticket for another airline.
If there are delays overnight, the company must provide hotels and meals as well as potential further compensation.
