easyJet holidaymakers 'face travel agony' amid pilot industrial action threat

'Looming' industrial action among easyJet pilot strike could throw summer holidays into chaos. Action was reportedly 'firmly on the table' after pilots at the low-cost airline rejected a pay offer.

The deal was turned down in a ballot, forcing Balpa union representatives and easyJet bosses back to the negotiating table. However if there is not an improved offer, the aviators could strike, The Sun reports.

It was not known how many pilots could strike - or when, however it's thought the union could choose a busy day during the summer holidays as the threat of more disruption would offer more leverage. Trade unions in the UK must give an employer at least 14 days notice before industrial action starts, meaning it could be too late for many holidaymakers to change their plans if they fall on a strike day.

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If the deal had been accepted, captains of ten years at easyJet - who reportedly earn £163,589 - would have seen their salary increased to £190,000 in October and up to £200,000 by April had they accepted the deal, the Mirror reports. Senior first officers were believed to have been 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 publication: “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.”

An easyJet spokesperson 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.”