Thomas Cook pilots to strike for one day on September 8

British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), the pilots’ union which represents 400 of Thomas Cook’s 560 pilots, has confirmed that a vote cast by 88 percent of the carrier’s pilots last Friday was in favor of industrial action. The vote was the result of 8 months of failed negotiations over pay and benefits.
Currently Thomas Cook is offering pilots a 1.5 percent pay increase against a demand from the pilots for 10.7 percent, approximately £10,000 (US$12,800) and the right to travel in business class between airports when connecting with flights. BALPA has indicated that after two days of negotiations, no further progress has been made.
According to BALPA general secretary, Brian Strutton: “Disrupting people’s travel plans is the last thing pilots want to do and we very much regret taking this step. However, our members are frustrated that after many months of negotiations we still do not have a decent pay offer on the table and they have said loud and clear ‘enough is enough’.
Thomas Cook has confirmed said it is working on contingency plans as well as holding further discussions with the pilots. A Thomas Cook spokesperson confirmed: “The pilots’ union BALPA has decided to call a pilots’ strike on 8 September from 0300 to 1500 hours.
“Our priority is to minimize disruption to our customers’ holidays and we are working hard with BALPA’s representatives to find a way forward and ensure our customers can continue their holidays as planned.
“We are also working on contingency plans in order to reduce any disruption to customers should the strike go ahead.