Today, Friday 1st November, members in AirNav will begin balloting on a proposed new collective labour agreement. The proposed agreement would deliver pay rises of 17.1% (compounded) over a five-year period, running from 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2029. Balloting will take place over two weeks, closing on Friday 15th November.

The AirNav Staff Panel unanimously voted to recommend a “yes” vote to members.

Officials believe the offer represents the best achievable deal at this time. Fórsa official David Field said the deal “would help to secure and protect the incomes of our members at AirNav Ireland over its five-year life span.”

Under the proposed agreement workers would see increases of 17.1% (compounded).

• 1st January 2025: 2% or €800 whichever is greater
• 1st July 2025: 2% or €800 whichever is greater
• 1st January 2026: 3% or €1,200 whichever is greater
• 1st January 2027: 3% or €1,200 whichever is greater
• 1st January 2028: 3% or €1,200 whichever is greater
• 1st January 2029: 3% or €1,200 whichever is greater

Under the sectoral bargaining terms, the outcome will be applied to the grade/branch from the first full pay period in 2025, while a number of allowances, such as standby/call-in allowances, will attract general round pay increases to a maximum of 3% per annum over the lifetime of the agreement.

The consumer price index is forecasted to see 11% inflation over the same period. If inflation is in excess of the forecasted 11% there is a review mechanism built into the agreement to help assure the value of the pay increases is not lost to workers.

The agreement will also see workers reach their maximum incremental point quicker with two incremental points removed from most pay scales. There will now be the following incremental points: four for engineers, six for aviation officers, and one for ATM specialists, watch managers and station managers. 

The maximum increment will also be worth more with a once off payment of €900 to be applied to all pay scales in September 2025.

Fórsa official Derek Kelleher said “It’s incredibly important that our members vote on the pay deal, AirNav members are highly organised and historically have a high level of participation, so we expect a large turnout. 

Derek continued: “This is a good deal. It fixes pay rises for the next five years, protects members from inflation and improves pay progression.” 

Members will be balloted online. Instructions on how to go about voting will be sent via email prior to the ballot opening. For any queries concerning balloting, please contact your local representative.

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