Ryanair pilots based in Belgium are set to go on strike again, reports Aviation24. The industrial action is planned for 14-15 September, to coincide with Ryanair’s shareholder AGM.
Fourth strike in eight weeks
The latest strike will be the fourth time Ryanair pilots choose to withdraw their labour in the space of eight weeks. Their demands remain the same and include:
- Reversing the 20% salary cut that they took during the Covid-19 crisis;
- Reducing workload in line with Ryanair’s aim to reduce time off;
- A more active role for elected representatives and the Ministry of Justice in arbitrating when the airline’s policies are not in line with national regulations.
Disruption levels
Brussels South Charleroi, about 48 km (30 miles) south of Brussels by train, will be the only airport affected, according to SchengenVisaInfo, as Brussels main airport at Zaventem is served by internationally-based aircraft. Still disruption could still be on the cards for many passengers headed to international destinations such as: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Italy, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden.
Looking back at the last rounds of strikes, mid-August’s led to a quarter of flights being cancelled. At the end of July nearly 100 flights were cancelled. And before that, the mid-July strikes were supported by 80% of Ryanair’s pilots and 120 flights were cancelled.
Shareholder pressure
Pilots, represented by BeCA (the Belgian Cockpit Association as well as the CNE and ACV Pulse unions) will be hoping the AGM is the occasion to shine a light on their wishlist, as well as the perfect opportunity for shareholders to consider the company’s wider reputational and social standing.
Are you going to be affected?
If you think you might be affected by the strikes, follow guidance from Brussels South Charleroi airport and your carrier. The airport claims it has already notified passengers due to travel on strike days of the need to check their flight’s status. A notification system is supposed to be in place to let flyers know if their flight is cancelled “within 48 hours of their departure”. Be warned: this can be mean you learn of any cancellation at very short notice, or even when you are waiting to board.
Passengers should also check the details of any travel insurance policies that may or may not cover you in the event of industrial action.
