Aer Lingus faces another strike – this time by Manchester cabin crew

Aer Lingus cabin crew based in Manchester will go on strike for four days from October 30 to November 2, disrupting transatlantic flights. The strike, involving around 130 cabin crew members, is over a dispute concerning pay and allowances. The crew rejected a proposed pay rise of nine percent this year and three percent in 2026, stating that their base salaries are too low to cover essential living costs. In addition to the base pay concerns, the Unite union argues that the proposed increase in the overnight allowance for cabin crew is insufficient. While Aer Lingus covers hotels and transport abroad, the tax-free allowance is intended for meals and incidentals. The airline offered to increase this allowance from $115 to $130 this year and to $145 in 2026. However, Unite claims that Manchester-based crew receive lower flying allowances than their colleagues in Dublin. Aer Lingus expressed disappointment at the strike notice, stating that they had negotiated in good faith and reached two agreements with Unite that the union had recommended to its members. The airline stated that the strike will be disruptive to customers and that they will focus on communi... download the app to read more