Ryanair Pilots Set Strike Date

This week, the British Airline Pilots Association union (BALPA) has set strike dates for UK-based Ryanair pilots following an industrial action ballot that closed on Tuesday.

Ryanair failed to reach an agreement with BALPA regarding the union’s demands, which comprise a number of issues including pensions; loss of license insurance; maternity benefits; allowances; and a fair, transparent, and consistent pay structure. The decision to take industrial action was reached after union members held a vote, wherein the ballot saw an 80% vote in favor of strike action on a 72% turnout.

The dates for the proposed strikes are Aug. 22-23 and Sept. 2-4.

 “We have had no formal offer from Ryanair and it is imperative that we resolve this dispute urgently to avoid strike action,” said Brian Strutton, BALPA general secretary, in a statement.

According to BALPA, the decision to take industrial action became necessary after decades of Ryanair refusing to deal with unions.

“We have made no progress with Ryanair management on any of those areas at all, seemingly because Ryanair management cannot understand how to go about working with us constructively, or how to negotiate. Ryanair has made no offer to BALPA in respect of its pilots,” said BALPA in a statement on its website.

The BALPA National Executive Council (NEC) met on Wednesday to authorize the strike action, and if the strike goes as planned, it could potentially impact travel plans for thousands of customers during the summer holiday season.

“No pilot wants to spoil the public’s travel plans, but at the moment, it seems we have no choice,” said Strutton.

Ryanair travelers are advised to contact the airline and check for updated flight information as the issue develops.

This dispute is completely unrelated to the current issue with British Airways, which is still in negotiations with the union.