EasyJet heads off strike threat over pilot fatigue

A potential strike by pilots at easyJet, Europe’s second-biggest low-cost airline, has been averted after they accepted a fresh offer from the carrier to resolve a dispute over fatigue. The pilots had given their union, the British Airline Pilots’ Association, authorisation to call a strike after a ballot in September, when 96% of participants voted in favour of industrial action. Balpa has about 2,000 members at the carrier. However, in a ballot on Tuesday 68% voted in favour of accepting a new proposal. Neither side revealed details of the agreement but Balpa had been unhappy about the scheduling of flights, saying timetables were leading to excessive fatigue among pilots. Brian Strutton, Balpa general secretary, said the deal represented a “positive outcome for Balpa and easyJet”. “Balpa will now be working closely with easyJet to ensure this agreement delivers real improvements to pilots’ lifestyles,” he said. EasyJet said it was pleased with the vote. “Our pilots are integral to the airline’s success and we look forward to working closely with them and their union Balpa to deliver the proposal,” it said.<br/>