Pilots union BALPA has slammed Ryanair for continuing to sell tickets for days when its members plan to strike later this week.
It says Ryanair has ‘blown the chance’ of finding a resolution before this week’s strike action, accusing the airline of wasted time with unnecessary court action.
Ryanair is seeking a High Court injunction tomorrow (Wednesday) to stop strike action by UK Ryanair pilots, due to take place on Thursday and Friday this week.
A second round of dates are planned for September.
BALPA invited Ryanair to join them at ACAS talks this week but the airline refused.
"Their attempt to block lawful strike action is just another demonstration of the bullying tactics the airline appears to favour," said BALPA general secretary Brian Strutton.
"It’s also worrying to see Ryanair continue to sell tickets for strike days – are they prepared to offer compensation to passengers if they are affected? I think they should tell passengers exactly where they stand."
A spokesman for Ryanair said: "BALPA who represent a small number of highly paid UK pilots should not be disrupting the return holiday flights of UK families later this week when Ryanair Captains already earn £180,000 p.a and are now seeking unjustified pay increases of between 65% to 121%."
A hearing continues today in the Irish High Court in which Ryanair is seeking to stop 180 Irish pilots strike on the same two days this week. It was adjourned yesterday and could go on until tomorrow, the day before the strikes are due to start.
