IALPA members in Emerald Airlines have backed a new agreement that provides for pay increases of 10%.

Pilots at the airline voted in favour of the deal by a margin of 97%, with a voter turnout of 88% after securing the agreement with management last week. 

The collective labour agreement (CLA) is the first at the company since the union won recognition last year. The agreement provides for the following pay increases:

• 3.5% on 1st March 2024
• 3.5% on 1st March 2025
• 3% on 1st March 2026

The union has also secured commitment from management that negotiations on enhancing the agreement will happen if the company makes accumulated profits by 2026. Emerald Airlines reported losses of over €21 million earlier this week.

The CLA also includes a seniority agreement at the airline, along with increases to sick pay and the introduction of a service-related pay scale.

IALPA president Mark Tighe welcomed the ratification of the agreement: “This CLA is a solid foundation on which pilots in Emerald can continue to improve their terms and conditions.

"This agreement is a significant achievement by our members in Emerald, given that a year ago the company refused to even engage with unions. I would like to congratulate IALPA activists in Emerald who secured this agreement.”

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