Ryanair braced for strikes by cabin crew in France, Spain and Italy
RYANAIR staff in Europe are preparing to go on strike this summer, in a fresh blow to holidaymakers already facing cancellations and delays.
Cabin crew for the low-cost airline based in Spain, Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal may walk out in a dispute over pay, potentially adding to travel chaos amid widespread industrial action this summer. It comes after talks collapsed between Ryanair and two Spanish unions.
The Madrid-based SITCPLA labour group said it was “co-ordinating” action with USO, its fellow Spanish union, as well as other European counterparts.
Strikes could be a major blow to Ryanair amid expectations that travel demand may finally be returning to prepandemic levels.
In a letter seen by The Daily Telegraph, Ryanair director Darrell Hughes accused Spanish union leaders of “unrealistic demands and refusal to meaningfully engage” in negotiations, which have been running since January 2019.
He said the groups had demanded 167pc pay increases, and added “you are not genuinely engaging in the process and have no intention to reach a reasonable agreement”.
“In over three years you have achieved nothing for the benefit of our cabin crew and your recent announcement of strikes will again achieve nothing other than to damage customer confidence, Spanish bases and jobs.”
Europe’s airports have already fallen into chaos in recent weeks over issues including staff shortages.
The Continent’s air traffic control agency has warned that the number of flights will exceed its own capacity, which could prompt widespread cancellations.
In the UK, travellers also face further disruption from planned strikes by the RMT rail union that will paralyse several operators. The chaos has already prompted a blame game between airlines, airports, baggage handlers and the Government.
More than 150 flights from London Gatwick were cancelled over the weekend as the airport struggled to deal with disruptions, while Heathrow has asked airlines to moderate passenger numbers to cut queues.