Ryanair is the latest company in the aviation sector to face the prospect of industrial unrest this summer.
The UK pilots union, which is already threatening stoppages at British Airways, yesterday announced possible action at Europe’s largest budget carrier.
The British Airline Pilots Association, which represents UK-based Ryanair pilots, is to balloting its members for possible industrial action.
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Balpa will be issuing a ballot to members on July 24. The ballot will close on August 7 when the results of the ballot will be announced.It is then legally obliged to give two weeks notice of any industrial action – meaning that walk outs could start as early as August 21.
The union said it had tabled a “detailed pay and conditions claim” to try and resolve outstanding areas of concern for pilots on issues such as pensions; loss of licence insurance; maternity benefits; allowances; and a fair, transparent, and consistent pay structure.
“However, we have not been able to come to an agreement with the company in relation to any one of our concerns. Indeed, the company has not tabled any offers whatsoever,” the union said.
Balpa general secretary Brian Strutton said: “Our Ryanair representatives have been trying to tackle some of the many issues that result from years of non-recognition of unions within Ryanair.
“But we have not been able to make any progress with Ryanair at all on any of our areas of concern. As usual with Ryanair, it’s their way or the highway, and we are not prepared to put up with that.”
Balpa warned last week that a strike ballot at BA in a separate dispute over pay would close on July 22. If pilots vote in favour of industrial action, the earliest that a stoppage could start is August 5.
The Unite union, representing 4,000 staff at Heathrow, is threatening to shut down the airport with six days of stoppages.
Check-in staff at Stansted who handle easyJet flights also plan to strike together with two sets of workers at Gatwick.
Ryanair has been approached to comment.
More: Three London airports face summer strike chaos
Stansted passenger service agents vote to strike
BA pilots threaten summer strike
