Pilots union BALPA is accusing Ryanair of using ‘bully boy’ tactics by dragging their pay dispute into the courts.
It says rather than taking up it’s ‘olive branch’ and meeting under the auspices of ACAS, Ryanair intends to seek an injunction to stop pilots striking this week.
UK-based pilots employed by Ryanair are due to start strike action on Thursday, August 22.
Nearly 200 Ryanair pilots in Ireland are also due to start a 48-hour walk-out on the same date.
Brian Strutton, BALPA general secretary, said: "This is typical Ryanair bully boy behaviour. If they think they can legally bludgeon us and their pilots into submission they are wrong. This is a waste of time and money that would be better spent trying to resolve the dispute.
"We have offered to talk at ACAS, and Ryanair have refused. This attitude is exactly why we’ve ended up in this dispute with Ryanair – trying to negotiate with them is virtually impossible. They have got a serious situation here with their own workforce. Rather than working with us to improve things, they are dragging this into court.
"Ryanair passengers will be dismayed at the airline’s cavalier attitude that is putting their travel plans at risk."
TravelMole has approached Ryanair for a response.
