Aer Lingus ground handling staff represented by Siptu have rejected a new pay proposal on 9 October 2025, with 11 out of 13 sections voting against the terms and the cabin appearance section unanimously opposing it.
The proposal offered a 3pc or €960 increase from 1 January 2026, followed by a 1pc or €320 increase from 1 July 2026, extending the current deal to the end of 2026.
Fórsa cabin crew members indicated they may also reject the terms in their ballot ending 14 October 2025, citing a lack of €1,500 vouchers to address Covid-era pay anomalies.
The dispute stems from concessions to pilots, including a €34m debt write-off, while cabin crew pay dropped to 30pc during the pandemic.
Aer Lingus noted a 1.5pc increase for operations staff in October 2025 under the existing agreement, bringing total rises to 13.75pc from 2023 to 2025.
Siptu ground handling staff rejected the pay proposal on 9 October 2025, with 11 of 13 sections opposing and cabin appearance section unanimous.
The dispute links to pilots’ €34m debt forgiveness, while cabin crew pay reduced to 30pc during Covid.
AN existing agreement provides 1.5pc increase in October 2025, totalling 13.75pc rises from 2023 to 2025.
Lisa Connell shared: “The proposals do not go far enough to close the pay gap that emerged during the global pandemic.” Fórsa branch executive shared: “Over 90pc of members believe the proposal is unacceptable.”
