Scilly Skybus Strike Announced

A vote by pilots to go on strike over pay has resulted in the possibility of disruptions to flight services to the Isles of Scilly.

An “overwhelming majority of its members voted in favor of taking some form of industrial action, up to and including strikes,” according to the Independent Pilots Association (IPA), whose members fly for Isles of Scilly Skybus Limited.

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) stated that the company had “chosen to impose a pay award without consultation” despite the fact that the award was significantly lower than the rate of inflation and did not meet the requirements of the members.

The business announced that it would not be able to “make pay awards that are unsustainable against the backdrop of rising costs.”

It is regrettable that any industrial action will negatively impact the local community, said Joel Stansfield, IPA general secretary.

The fact that we are now forced to advance to the stage of industrial action after repeated attempts to reach a settlement with Isles of Scilly Skybus Limited is disappointing.

Isles of Scilly Steamship Group spokesman said the IPA’s “continued insistence on a 12.5% pay award… even after a 5% increase last year and another 5% this year” disappointed them.

They stated that Skybus transported “vital part of the lifeline link on Scilly” each year due to the 70,000 passengers who used their services annually.

The company noted that they were susceptible to significant seasonal fluctuations, as well as rising costs for aviation parts and elevated fuel prices.