IRISH hotels have issued a major warning following Aer Lingus’ strike action due to the “worrying” impact it has on business.
Hoteliers warned that the disruption to Aer Lingus flights now poses a serious “risk to tourism” and has “worrying implications” for Ireland’s reputation as a holiday destination.
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Michael Magner, President of the Irish Hotels Federation, is now calling on both parties involved in the dispute to meet as a matter of urgency.
The Irish airline industrial action has affected around 15,000 customers who have been left with their travel plans up in the air after they cancelled hundreds of flights due to the strikes.
The strikes are caused by the pilots who are seeking a pay increase of 24 per cent, which they say equates to inflation since the last pay rise in 2019.
Aer Lingus added in a statement this afternoon that, if improvements in efficiency and flexibility are reached, it has consistently attempted to work directly with IALPA.
They claim that they have tried to discuss methods to raise pilot compensation above the 12.25 per cent increase decided upon with all other collectively bargained organisations.
Magner is now calling on Aer Lingus and IALPA to come to an early solution to avoid further disruption to passengers.
In a statement, he said: “There is enormous concern throughout our industry given how important Aer Lingus is for inbound visitors, particularly for transatlantic and long-haul flights.
“We are already seeing hotel cancellations as guests change their holiday plans, and there is a risk that this pattern of cancellations could escalate over the coming days.
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“It is hugely disruptive and a dreadful outcome for Irish tourism, including for the many thousands of downstream hospitality businesses the length and breadth of the country that heavily rely on tourism during the peak holiday season.
“We are calling for a suspension of the industrial action and the threat of escalation and for both sides to engage positively in the interests of passengers and visitors to the country.
“Any further disruption risks significant damage to Irish tourism and must be avoided.”
Strike action
Pilots are currently enforcing a work to rule after voting in favour of strikes, amid ongoing pay disputes with the airline.
The work to rule action will result in 215 flights being cancelled from Wednesday.
The Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA)have also announced an eight hour strike on Saturday which will result in 120 cancellations just on that day.
Pay increase
Pilots are seeking around 24 percent pay increase as they say their current pay does not reflect Aer Lingus’ profits, inflation or sacrifices made during Covid-19.
Aer Lingus have said this demand is “untenable” and have previously said the pilots are already well paid.
