Pilots’ strike will affect Newcastle

A 24-hour walk-out by Thomas Cook pilots that will affect Newcastle Airport flights is to go ahead today.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has confirmed that the action will take place despite lengthy talks with Thomas Cook Airlines via ACAS.

Following the previous 12-hour walk out on September 8 – the first UK pilots’ strike in more than 40 years – BALPA has been in several days of intensive negotiations with Thomas Cook.

Pilots are striking over a failure to agree a pay and conditions deal, and there is frustration with the company’s stance during negotiations.

As well as today’s strike, the pilots’ union has also announced two further 24-hour strike days on September 29 and October 6 should an agreement not be reached.

BALPA general secretary, Brian Strutton, said: “Tortuous negotiations at ACAS have failed to resolve the pay dispute between Thomas Cook and BALPA pilots.

“Whilst both sides have compromised there is still a considerable gap. Regrettably this means the strike goes ahead. We understand this strike will affect people’s travel plans, something which we deeply regret.”

More than 40 flights have been rescheduled and they include two flights from Newcastle and two flights arriving in Newcastle.

Flight MT1086 to Palma will now depart Newcastle at 3.15am. Flight MT1656 to Ibiza will take off at 2.45am.

And flight MT 1657 from Ibiza will land in Newcastle at 9.40am and flight MT1087 from Palma to Newcastle will arrive at 10.10am.

A Thomas Cook spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that BALPA has decided to go ahead with the strike.

“Thomas Cook management has put forward an increased offer in recent days and remains open to negotiating further. We urge BALPA to come back to the table to resolve this issue in the interests of all involved.

“Meanwhile, our priority is to make sure all of our customers can travel with minimum disruption during the strike period.”