Ryanair’s continuing labor issues will come to a head again tomorrow with a scheduled one-day strike by pilots and air crew at Ryanair bases in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Belgium, joined by Dutch pilots and German cabin crew.
The airline has cancelled nearly 200 flights in advance of the strike, and may have to cancel more if the strike spreads. On a normal Friday, there are about 2,400 flights. Ryanair workers at other bases may join in the action.
While in the past year, the airline has stepped back from its absolute refusal to recognize employee unions, it has signed only a few contracts, though more are in discussion, not affecting the groups striking tomorrow. A key issue for pilots is a demand that all be considered employees; some are now classed as ‘independent contractors.’
Among the ongoing issues, aside from pay rates, are scheduling, annual leave, base transfers and, perhaps above all, Ryanair’s policy of basing all contracts on Ireland’s labor laws, which are considered easier on employers. Several European governments have warned Ryanair that it must follow their labor laws for local employees.
