Ryanair pilot dispute

The recently formed  Ryanair Pilot Group (RPG) has called for the airline’s Chief Executive Michael O’Leary to honour previous promises of official recognition.  Mr O’Leary had previously said that he would recognise a unionised group if they represented more than 50% of aircrew.  RPG says that it has reached that minimum.

The real problem is European law, which O’Leary has made a habit of driving a coach and horses through, although he was one of the first to benefit from liberalisation of the air route rules in the early 1990s.

About 70% of Ryanair’s 3,500 pilots are self-employed and all operate out of a multitude of bases.  There is no provision in European Union law to recognise a group of employees based in multiple member states.

On the face of it, the RPG requirements are not too onerous.  Common contract of employment; transparent leave system; a resolution of tax issues, and finally a simple and fair procedure in cases of dispute.

Mr O’Leary is unlikely to give in unless forced to.  www.ryanairpilotgroup.com

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