The Supreme Court last week rejected Ryanair’s application to appeal in a landmark blacklisting case that found the company’s actions against striking pilots unlawful.  

Earlier this year, the Court of Appeal ruled that Ryanair had breached Blacklisting Regulations by removing concessionary benefits for pilots who took part in strike action to demand better terms and conditions in 2019. That ruling clearly established that such retaliatory actions against workers who take part in lawful industrial action are both unacceptable and unlawful. 

Ryanair applied to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal, and the court’s decision last week to reject that application brings an end to the case. It means that there are no further appeal avenues for Ryanair to take and establishes the Court of Appeal’s decision on the Blacklisting Regulations as law. The court also ruled that Ryanair must pay BALPA’s costs relating to the case. 

Zohra Francis, BALPA’s Director for Legal and Governance, said:

“We are delighted with this decision, which finally brings an end to a case that should never have been necessary. If Ryanair had simply respected its pilots’ right to strike to demand better terms and conditions, there would have been no need for this prolonged legal case. This victory also highlights the vital role of trade unions and reinforces the principle that workers’ rights to organise and engage in lawful strikes are not up for negotiation.”   

Alice Yandle, Partner at Farrer & Co, said:

“We are pleased to hear that the Supreme Court has refused Ryanair’s application for permission to appeal. This confirms that the Court of Appeal’s ruling earlier this year is the law: that the Blacklisting Regulations prohibit employers like Ryanair from blacklisting their employees for taking part in strike action.”