A second strike in a month by pilots working for Tomas Cook Airlines took place on Saturday with further action planned.
The walkout went ahead after the breakdown of lengthy talks between the British Airline Pilots’ Association and the airline at the conciliation service ACAS.
The pilots’ union has also announced two 24-hour strike days on Friday (September 29) and October 6 should an agreement not be reached.
BALPA said it had been in several days of “intensive negotiations” with Thomas Cook under the auspices of ACAS following the previous walkout on September 8 – the first UK pilots’ strike in more than 40 years.
Pilots are taking action over a failure to agree a pay and conditions deal, and the union voiced frustration with the company’s stance during negotiations.
The 24-hour strike on Saturday forced the airline reschedule more than 40 flights.
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.
“BALPA has given ample warning to enable Thomas Cook to change its schedules and minimise passenger disruption. I have also offered strike dispensations to help out in the hurricane hit Caribbean. Our argument is not with passengers.
“We need Thomas Cook to understand just how resolute pilots are and how frustrated they are with the company.
“We urge the company to come back to the negotiating table with a better offer so this situation can come to an end.”
Thomas Cook previously attempted to secure a High Court injunction to prevent pilots from striking, but a judge rejected its case, ordered BALPA’s costs to be paid, and declined permission for the company to appeal.
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