A week after the end of the strike in Belgium by the company’s pilots and cabin crew, the situation remains tense at Ryanair. As we know, other actions could be carried out this summer in Belgium, but not only.
Last weekend, remember that strikes also disrupted air traffic in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. And this weekend, a new movement carried out in Italy had repercussions on certain departures at Charleroi airport. In Spain, the unions also made a strong gesture, announcing new actions spread over… 12 days, on July 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28. It will be noted that the next weekends are not affected, which could save Belgian travelers who go on vacation. The working conditions of pilots and cabin crew are still at the center of the protests, as well as a pay cut imposed at the start of the health crisis, and still not restored today. Spanish unions call on Ryanair to “change attitude and relaunch negotiations for a new collective labor agreement”.
And in Belgium? “At the end of a strike, it is up to management to relaunch negotiations”as Didier Lebbe, CNE permanent secretary for the aviation sector, is wont to say.
Discussions which have still not resumed, even if the management has communicated internally with its Belgian employees. An email that reached us, and in which we can discover that Ryanair does not hesitate to put pressure on those who went on strike on June 24, 25 and 26. In particular, we can read that Ryanair estimates that 60% of its flights were able to take place without problems. “for a number of passengers who were going on holiday for the first time in 3 years”. The management also reminds the strikers that they will not be paid for the days not worked, in accordance with Belgian labor law. “ CThis strike does nothing but cost you money, and delay the implementation of improvements in your working conditions”, lit-on encore.
Reproaches, before moving on to thinly veiled threats. “ No progress can exist with those who strike first and negotiate later. We are dependent on passengers who book flights with us and strikes only attract them elsewhere and this damages the market we have built in Belgium. If your (union) stewards are determined to destroy this, that’s their business but it will ultimately have consequences for you having less money in your pocket and/or it will lead management to make difficult economic decisions when we will build the schedules for winter 2022 and summer 2023 in Belgiumue. “
“They send the same kind of email after each strike”breathes Didier Lebbe, who also recalls that a meeting will be held this Monday with the management of Brussels Airlines, following the strike carried out on that side on June 23, 24 and 25.