Yesterday marked the seventh day of walkouts by Ryanair pilots over working conditions. Bosses at the budget airline are now biting back, threatening to withdraw pilot’s company benefits if the disarray continues. Flights have already been affected following a two day strike in August and four strike days in September. Yet there are more on the horizon, as aviators push ahead with planned action on the 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 September.
While the predicted impact has not yet been revealed, it is likely that customers may experience some delays or potential flight cancellations.
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) released a statement on it’s website which read: “UK Ryanair pilots have been told by the airline that benefits will be removed should they take part in current strike action, which started yesterday.”
BALPA added that they had hoped to meet with Ryanair either today or on Monday for negotiations, however the Irish air carrier has yet to respond to requests.
BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said: “It takes an extraordinarily intransigent employer to refuse to take part in an entirely voluntary, non-binding ACAS process from which each side can withdraw at any time.
“Given that neither side has anything to lose from ACAS conciliation, what on earth is Ryanair frightened of?
“Instead of seeking to resolve the current impasse via negotiation, Ryanair seems hell bent on prolonging the dispute by threatening pilots with the removal of staff travel benefits and inflated and draconian deductions from salary.”
With no conclusion in sight for pilots, it is uncertain what lies ahead.
The airline remain confident that it will not be shaken by the pilot action, describing the situation as “pointless”.
Last week Ryanair released a statement ensuring passengers that disruptions would be limited.
The statement read: “Ryanair expects all its flights to/from UK airports on Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th to operate as scheduled thanks to the efforts of over 95 per cent of our UK pilots who have confirmed that they will work their rosters, and will not support these failed BALPA strikes.
“On behalf of our customers and their families we wish to sincerely thank all our UK pilots who do not support these BALPA strikes.”
Ryanair officials also claim that BALPA have provided “little reasoning” for continued action.
However, in a statement released earlier this month Strutton pointed out: “We want to address issues like pensions; loss of licence insurance; maternity benefits; allowances; and harmonise pay across the UK in a fair, transparent, and consistent structure.”
The news follows yesterday’s announcement from BALPA that British Airways pilots had decided to call off their planned strikes, hoping that reducing flight interruptions would encourage a successful mediation with bosses.
For passengers due to fly with Ryanair, experts advise travellers to keep an eye on relevant news updates.
Ryanair will only offer a refund once any cancellation has been decided. Furthermore, under EU regulations strike action is classified as ‘extraordinary circumstances’ meaning compensation may not be available.
However, any costs incurred as the result of a delay or cancelation – such as food or drink while waiting at an airport – can be claimed back.