TAP pilots cancel planned walkout

The planned 6-day strike by TAP Air Portugal pilots has been called off after an agreement was reached with management.  The Civil Aviation Pilots' Union, who represent the airline's flight crew members, announced yesterday that pay and productivity agreements have been achieved.

Under the deal the pilots are entitled to a 1.8% pay rise, in line with other employees of the airline, in addition to a share of any savings achieved throught the companies cost cutting plans.

The cancellation of the strike, scheduled for 26th to 31st March, is good news for the European airline industry, which is facing several separate walkouts over the Easter period.  The airlines currently suffering from these poor industrial relations are British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa. 

The Star Alliance carrier had announced that during the 6-day walkout approximately 1500 flights would have been affected. 

Source: USA Today