EasyJet summer holiday travel chaos looms as chance of pilot strikes grow

Summer holidays could be thrown into chaos by an easyJet pilot strike reported to be looming.

Pilots at the low-cost British airline are said to have rejected a pay offer in a move that puts industrial action firmly on the table. If the deal is not improved, then the aviators will strike, The Sun reports. After the fliers turned the deal down in a ballot, representatives for Balpa union and easyJet bosses were forced back to the negotiating table. Both Balpa and easyJet have downplayed the chance of a strike.

It is unclear how many pilots could theoretically strike and when, although the union may choose a busy day during the summer holidays as the threat of more disruption will offer their negotiators more leverage with the budget airline. In the UK trade unions must give an employer notice at least 14 days before industrial action starts, meaning it may be too late for many Brits with holidays booked to change their plans if they fall on a strike day.

Captains of ten years at easyJet reportedly earn £163,589, which would've been increased to £190,000 in October and up to £200,000 by April had they accepted the deal. Senior first officers were reportedly offered a pay rise of £20,000, taking them to £112,879 annually, while first officers’ annual pay would have climbed to £75,446.

A source told the newspaper: “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.”

BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: "BALPA pilots in easyJet have rejected the latest pay offer in a ballot which had 94% turnout and a ‘no’ vote of 56.4. We have informed the company of the outcome of the vote and asked to meet to discuss the way ahead."

If the pilots do hit the picket line, it will be the first time in recent years they will have done so in the UK. Back in 2022 their Spanish colleagues walked out for a number of days in August as part of a dispute over pay and conditions.

The month before that easyJet flight attendants in Spain called off a three day strike after they reached a deal with the airline which included higher pay, according to Unión Sindical Obrera.

Anyone heading to Heathrow Airport tomorrow (Monday) may find themselves facing delays as unionised Border Force workers are planning to walk out. The Mirror has contacted both the union and easyJet for additional comment.

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