A comprehensive pay agreement was reached between SIPTU and Aer Arann resulting in significant pay increases of approximately 20% for our members operating and living on the Aran Islands.
Pay talks for our members working on the Aran Islands, where the cost-of-living crisis is even more pronounced than for those living on the mainland, began in October 2024. Considering the extra cost of living for these members a 20% pay increase claim was lodged. Prior to the pay agreement wages for all members averaged out at approximately €28,000.
The pay proposal will implement a three-year pay scale for members carrying out core duties. These duties include Fire Fighting, Passenger Handling, Airfield (inspection and maintenance) and stand in duties. The scales proposed are as follows:
- Year 1: €27,500
- Year 2: €31,000
- Year 3: €35,000
All members in scope will move straight to Year 3 which equates to an approximate annual average increase of €7,000 per year. The increase equates to approximately 20% for all employees.
Traditionally Aer Arann paid members a 2% annual increase in January. This will also continue for the next four years in line with the contract signed by the company with the Government for the tender to run operations on the islands.
There will also be an extra payment for what management wish to define as premium duties. These are Chief Fire Officer and Senior Base Person. This would attract an extra €4,000 payment per annum. Members were balloted on the pay proposal which was unanimously accepted.