Anne-Marie Walsh: Fears of knock-on claims as pilots’ demands raise expectations among other workers

Aer Lingus pilots march outside Dublin Airport last month during an eight-hour strike as part of their industrial dispute with the airline

A pay rise close to 18pc may well cool the Aer Lingus pilots’ jets, but could encourage wage demands to take off. There has been speculation that there will be knock-on claims by other groups of staff at the airline if the pilots are seen to get more.

Cabin crew and ground-handling staff got around 12pc in recent pay deals.