The Guardian: Is Ryanair the world’s stingiest company?

Ryanair has reportedly courted more controversy by banning staff from charging their mobile phones, stating that doing so amounts to a theft of its electricity. The Guardian, reporting the story, states that the measure will save the no-frills carrier 1.4p per each charge – but points out that, even if all 2,600 members of staff charged their phones at the same time, the bill would still be less that £30. Ryanair’s annual profits last year were more than £150, the newspaper reminds readers. A spokesman is quoted as saying: “It’s all just general cost control, which is very important to us. It is the same as taking out reclinable seats and head covers on our planes.” Unsurprisingly, the move has drawn considerable amounts of criticism. Shay Cody, of the Irish trade union Impact, is quoted as saying: “Ryanair are absolutely on their own – they are unique. They are extremely hostile to the workforce and to any attempt to organise the workforce. It is a very, very oppressive regime there and they have extremely high staff turnover, particularly among junior pilots and cabin crew.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd www.newsfromabroad.com