AN easyJet summer strike loomed closer earlier tonight as pilots rejected a monster pay rise.
The deal would have boosted their wages to nearly £200,000 a year.
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But the offer was turned down in a ballot – forcing the Balpa union and easyJet bosses back to the negotiating table.
Pilot representatives will threaten industrial action if the rejected deal is not improved.
Captains of ten years earn £163,589 and the proposed deal would have sent that soaring to £190,000 in October and near £200,000 by April.
Senior first officers would have got another £20,000 to earn £112,879 a year while first officers’ annual pay would have climbed to £75,446.
A source said: “Balpa has already sounded out members about strike action.
“They are holding all the cards and the airline knows it.
“Bosses need to find even more money for pilots, or jets won’t get off the ground this summer and holidaymakers face travel agony.”
EasyJet said: “We are disappointed that the outcome of the ballot for the pay deal fell short of the 50 per cent required.”
“We will be meeting with Balpa over the coming days to discuss next steps.”