More strike dates announced by Ryanair pilots
Ryanair pilots have announced more strikes later this month.
They will walk out for 48 hours on September 18 and for 24 hours on September 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29.
The British Airline Pilots Association said it had announced the dates following Ryanair’s refusal to seek conciliation talks at ACAS to resolve their dispute.
In the latest round of industrial action, BALPA members walked out on Monday and returned to work at midnight last night. They also went on strike on August 22 and 23.
Ryanair has managed to operate its full schedule during the strikes by hiring in contractors and moving its pilots from around Europe.
It described the strikes as ‘pointless and failed’.
BALPA general secretary Brian Strutton said: "We are clear that we want to settle the dispute and bring about a change in Ryanair for the better.
"Pilots in Ryanair are seeking the same kind of policies and agreements that exist in other airlines – our demands are not unreasonable. We want to address issues like pensions; loss of licence insurance; maternity benefits; allowances; and harmonise pay across the UK in a fair, transparent, and consistent structure.
"While this action has considerably disrupted Ryanair, forcing them to engage contractors and bring in foreign crews to run its operation, it has had limited impact on the public’s travel plans.
"Ryanair should stop dragging its feet and get back to the negotiating table."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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