Ryanair passengers face continuing flights chaos with Spanish cabin crew unions warning they will strike for four days every week until January. Angry crew members, which also operate routes between popular airports in Spain and the UK, will walkout over demands for higher pay and better working conditions.
The strikes will take place from Monday to Thursday every week from August 8 to January 7, a statement from unions said. They are demanding 22 days of holiday and two extra months payment per year.
Ryanair workers caused disruption at many Spanish airports during July, when they walked out for several days, mainly on weekends, but the impact was limited because the country's regulations force airlines and staff to maintain a minimum service. A union statement added: "As the company has been unable to listen to the workers, we have been forced to call new strike days."
It claims Ryanair "has not shown the slightest attempt to approach" them, but rather "has publicly stated its refusal to engage in any dialogue."
The union claimed 11 cabin staff in Spain had been sacked during the recent strikes. Ryanair had accounted for 22.3 per cent of passengers through Spanish airports during the first half of the year, according to data from airport operator Aena.
Meanwhile, Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary reported “a strong recovery” in passenger traffic and profits in first-quarter results for April to June, but warned: “It’s very fragile, capable of being damaged at short notice.
“The challenge is whether it will continue into winter. The current performance is good, but the outlook is cautious. It is hugely dependent on there being no more adverse news flows."
He added: “Operationally we’re doing well, but caution is the key word. When the schools go back in September, we’ll be exposed to any negative news. It would be sensible to foresee some adverse developments on Covid and to watch out for adverse developments on Ukraine.”
