Travel chaos to hit Manchester as airport staff announce even more strike dates

Aer Lingus UK cabin crew have escalated industrial action by announcing more strike dates, in a further blow to holidaymakers travelling through Manchester Airport next month.

Almost 130 Unite members working for the airline will stage walkouts on 9-11, 14 and 16-18 November, in addition to the strikes already scheduled from 30 October to 18 November.

British employees, including check-in staff and cabin crew, for the airline have called the strikes amid a dispute over pay and lower flying allowances than their Dublin-based colleagues. 

Many say years of low pay has left them struggling for essentials, with many having little option but to take on a second job or work more hours to improve their wages, which has left them at risk of burnout.  

Though Aer Lingus recorded an operating profit of €205 million for 2024, employees allege their base salaries are so low that they struggle to afford rent, bills and groceries.

In response, the airline offered staff a pay rise of 12 per cent over two years - an increase they have since rejected. 

As reported by Travel Gossip, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Any strike action will be hugely disruptive to these routes.'

Meanwhile, Unite Regional Officer John O’Neill has encouraged Unite to improve pay and employment terms 'to avoid major disruption to flights in the coming weeks.'

In a further blow to holidaymakers travelling through Manchester Airport next month, Aer Lingus UK cabin crew have escalated industrial action by announcing more strike dates

Almost 130 United members working for the budget airline will stage walkouts at Manchester Airport (pictured) on 9-11, 14 and 16-18 November, in addition to the the strikes already scheduled from 30 October to 18 November

British employees, including check-in staff and cabin crew, for the airline have called the strikes amid a dispute over pay and lower flying allowances than their Dublin-based colleagues

Strike action taking place on October 29 is set to disrupt several airports, as workers from KLM, Air France and Vueling walk out.

Airport workers at Milan Malpensa and Linate, Florence and Pisa are also expected to take part.

The industrial action varies across the groups, with Air France and KLM ground staff set to strike between noon and 4pm. Vueling workers will strike between 1pm and 5pm the same day.

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