EasyJet has reassured passengers that there is no industrial action planned after reports of summer strikes by cabin crew over pay.
Cabin crew union, Unite says its members could walk out unless they get a ‘decent pay rise’ after rejecting easyJet’s pay increase of 4.1% when talks broke down on Thursday.
But the low cost airline said that it was confident it would operate its full summer flight schedule, adding that the majority of cabin crew are not union members.
It said that its pay offer was ‘well above inflation and above recent pay increases received by BA and Thomas Cook under agreements with Unite’.
An easyJet spokesman said: "easyJet’s cabin crew receive the highest pay in the UK airline industry with total annual package of £25,000 – which is in line with the average UK national wage for all workers.
"Following months of discussions with Unite, the UK cabin crew union, including talks facilitated by ACAS, and despite a series of pay offers easyjet was unable to reach an agreement with the union. "
"As a result the airline has awarded its cabin crew with the pay increase which was put forward during the pay discussion process.
"We believe it is right to make the award now since cabin crew, the majority of which are not union members, have been waiting for a conclusion to the pay discussions for a number of months."
But union sources say Unite is expected to tell easyJet of its intention to ballot for a strike today, and voting papers would start going out to members towards the end of this week.
Regional officer Kevin Hall told the Sunday People: "Cabin crew have worked hard to make easyJet a success, enabling the company to record pre-tax profits in excess of half a billion.
"We would urge easyJet to drop its high-handed approach and go back into talks."
