Pilots union BALPA has criticised Ryanair for its ‘abysmal approach to industrial relations’ and says its shareholders should take the airline to task at its AGM today.
It blamed Ryanair’s stance for ‘continued unrest’ amongst UK pilots, who are now in the seventh day of 12 days of industrial action.
Pilots are due to walk out today (Thursday) and then again on September 21-23 and September 27-29.
BALPA said Ryanair is already under pressure from US-based investors who have accused the airline of making ‘false and misleading statements’ about relations with workers and unions that artificially inflated the carrier’s share price.
Investors argue that Ryanair failed to reveal in company statements and discussions with industry analysts that labour relations were deteriorating two years ago and that it was unable to hire or keep enough pilots to meet expected demand in the face of strikes.
BALPA said pilots were victims of ‘harsh cost-saving measures’ and many begin their career on very insecure, zero-hours type contracts.
"Although the airline appears to write pilots off saying they are paid the industry standard this is not the case," it said in a statement.
"Ryanair also fails to highlight how it also expects pilots to pay for their own uniform, food and drinks on board aircraft, parking at work, medicals, and much more – something quite unique to Ryanair.
"BALPA hopes that Ryanair’s shareholders recognise and challenge the abysmal state of industrial and employee relations within their airline and the see the reputational damage this will lead to if the strike action is allowed to go on indefinitely."
Meanwhile Ryanair is insisting the strikes are having no impact on its schedules.
