IRISH PILOTS JOIN RYANAIR UNION PUSH, SEEK TALKS

Ryanair Holdings Plc, which bans trade unions, lurched further toward collective bargaining after pilots in its home market of Ireland founded a new body and demanded negotiations with the discount operator. Management should engage exclusively on national matters with the “Ryanair Company Council,” the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association said in a letter to Michael O’Leary, the carrier’s CEO. Six captains and one first officer have been appointed to its ranks. The move extends efforts among Ryanair pilots to organize after a scheduling lapse over crew leave led to the cancellation of more than 20,000 flights, putting them in a unique position of leverage. The push follows similar developments backed by unions in Sweden, Germany and Portugal over the past week.