For the past year, airports both in the UK and across Europe have seen strikes from air traffic controllers, border force worker, refuelling staff and more. Now, it could be the turn of British pilots.
The people in charge of flying easyJet aircrafts recently rejected a pay deal offered by the airline, meaning that industrial action could impact one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year. If the pilots decide to walk out, it would be the first time in several years that pilots in the UK have taken to the picket lines. Here’s what we know so far.
RECOMMENDED: All the strikes at European airports you need to watch out for right now
Are EasyJet pilots going on strike?
Potentially. BALPA, the union for pilots, is back in negotiations with easyJet after its members voted to turn down a deal that would have boosted the most senior wages to almost £200,000 a year.
Captains and first officers are threatening to walk out if a better deal isn’t offered. We don’t know just yet how many would strike or when.
Why have pilots rejected their pay rise?
At the moment, we don’t know a detailed reason for the rejection. Right now, pilots with ten years’ experience get paid around £164,000 a year. The rejected deal would have boosted that to £190,000 in October, increasing to almost £200,000 by April 2025.
If the initial offer was accepted, senior first officers would have got a £20,000 pay rise to £112,879 and first officers’ wages would have increased to £75,446.
What’s been said about the situation so far?
A source told The Sun: ‘BALPA has already sounded out members about strike action. They are holding all the cards and the airline knows it. Bosses need to find even more money for pilots, or jets won’t get off the ground this summer and holidaymakers face travel agony.’
A spokesperson for easyJet said: ‘We are disappointed that the pilot pay deal was narrowly rejected. We remain in constructive dialogue with BALPA and no strike action is planned.’
UK travel disruption
Strikes, cancellations and closures are basically a part of the British travel experience now. So, we at Time Out see it as our duty to keep you up with all the latest. Here’s everything you need to know about strikes at Heathrow, closures on the M25 and ongoing train strikes.
Did you see that the UK is officially the world’s sixth-most beautiful country?
Plus: Uber is expanding to two more UK cities.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.