Unions threaten two-day strike at Ryanair
The Belgian trade unions CNE and ACV Puls and the pilots' union Beca have given Ryanair management an ultimatum. If the Irish airline does not make a serious proposal by Friday afternoon, they will go on strike on the weekend of 15 and 16 July.
Ryanair allegedly told its pilots in Belgium that it wanted to cancel a collective agreement on working hours and rest. According to the pilots' representatives, this is illegal.
Wages are also under discussion. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the pilots agreed to a 20 per cent pay cut, which is still in force. According to the unions, management refuses to discuss ending this gesture "despite the return of huge profits".
Collective agreement
Mediation has taken place, but Ryanair does not want to apply what was recommended by the mediation committee. If Ryanair does not make a serious proposal, the staff representatives will call for strike action on 15 and 16 July. This could be followed by further action until October 2024, when the Covid collective agreement expires.
"We apologise in advance to passengers planning to travel with Ryanair between now and October 2024 who may be affected by these strikes. But we can no longer allow Ryanair to violate the basic principles of Belgian social dialogue," a press release said.
© BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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