Aer Lingus pilots have launched a labor action that has triggered the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

The pilots are now following what¡¯s known as a ¡°work to rule¡± action, which means they will not put in any overtime, accept changes to set schedules, or take out-of-hours requests from managers, according to a report from Associated Press.

In addition, an eight-hour strike is on tap for this Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Irish Air Line Pilots¡¯ Association has said it plans to resume talks tomorrow with Aer Lingus as the labor action continues.

All of these measures have been triggered by a pay dispute. Pilots are pushing for a 24 percent pay increase to keep their income on par with inflation. The last pay raise they received was in 2019, per Associated Press.

Aer Lingus has offered pilots a 12.5 percent pay hike. The carrier says it may put even more of an increase on the table if more ¡°productivity and flexibility¡± are discussed.

The country¡¯s prime minister, Simon Harris, has also weighed in on the matter. Harris said it is ¡°absolutely vital¡± that the issue is resolved.

¡°My challenge to the parties now is to bring that engagement forward, rather than putting people through a prolonged period of agony and chaos, and then engaging in the end anyway,¡± Harris said Tuesday, according to Associated Press.

¡°This dispute will be settled the same way every dispute is settled: compromise, engagement, sitting around a table. That¡¯s what needs to happen.¡±

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore