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No’ to arbitration vote could see more Thomas Cook pilot strikes go ahead

The pilot vote on whether to take the dispute between Thomas Cook and its pilots to arbitration closes today.

Should pilot members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) vote yes, this result will then be put to the company to decide whether it is also happy to enter the arbitration process.

If pilots vote no to arbitration, or should the company refuse to agree to arbitration, they will continue with industrial action set for 24 hours this Friday (6th October).

Further strikes are also planned – three days from 12th October and four days from 19th October – should a deal not be reached before then.

BALPA General Secretary Brian Strutton said:

“We always wanted to resolve the pay dispute in Thomas Cook through negotiation but nine days of ACAS talks resulted in a stalemate. Therefore, we have put it to our members whether they want to continue their dispute by further strike action or by arbitration. We shall find out at lunchtime today.”