Pilots union BALPA says Ryanair intends to drag their current pilot dispute into the courts, rather than the negotiating room, as they seek an injunction to stop pilots striking next week. UK-based pilots employed by Ryanair are due to start strike action next Thursday, 22nd August, following a recent successful industrial action ballot conducted by the union.
 
BALPA has offered to meet Ryanair under the auspices of ACAS to seek a resolution to this dispute. Instead of taking up this olive branch, Ryanair has instead decided to seek a High Court injunction to stop the strike on a technicality.
 
Brian Strutton, BALPA General Secretary, said:
 
“This is typical Ryanair bully boy behaviour. If they think they can legally bludgeon us and their pilots into submission they are wrong. This is a waste of time and money that would be better spent trying to resolve the dispute.
 
“We have offered to talk at ACAS, and Ryanair have refused. This attitude is exactly why we’ve ended up in this dispute with Ryanair – trying to negotiate with them is virtually impossible. They have got a serious situation here with their own workforce. Rather than working with us to improve things, they are dragging this into court.
 
“Ryanair passengers will be dismayed at the airline’s cavalier attitude that is putting their travel plans at risk.”
 
ENDS