RYANAIR SEEKS INJUNCTION AGAINST AIRPORT SHUTDOWN

RNS Number : 8460B

Ryanair Holdings PLC

07 March 2014

 

RYANAIR SEEKS INJUNCTION TO PREVENT SIPTU AIRPORT SHUTDOWN

Ryanair, Ireland's favourite airline, today (7 Mar) was granted leave to seek a High Court injunction against SIPTU's plan to shut down Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports for four hours next Friday (14 Mar, between 05:00 and 09:00hrs).

Ryanair will not allow over 13,000 of its customers to be blackmailed by greedy SIPTU unions, particularly in the case of Aer Lingus where there is a defined contribution pension scheme and these staff have already received over €600m in pay-offs, pension top ups and free shares over the past 8 years. SIPTU's attempt to shut down air access from the country's three main airports is unlawful, unnecessary and unfair to passengers.

Ryanair is taking legal action to protect our 13,000 plus customers who could have their travel plans rescheduled by SIPTU strikes next Friday. In the event that the strike goes ahead Ryanair will make every effort to minimise the disruption to our customers who will be contacted early next week with details of any rescheduling of their flights.

Ryanair calls on the Dept. of Transport to explain what contingency plans the Government will put in place to prevent Ireland's vital airports being closed by SIPTU if this legal action is unsuccessful. Is the Government planning to call in the Gardaí and the army to keep airport security and fire services open next Friday? If not, why not?

Ryanair's Robin Kiely said:

"Ryanair today took legal action to prevent SIPTU from shutting down Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports for four hours on Paddy's weekend. SIPTU's action is unlawful, unfair to our customers and an unnecessary burden on this island economy. Ryanair calls on the Government to outline its contingency plans to keep Ireland's vital airports open and prevent the travelling public being blackmailed by SIPTU."

Ends.

For further information

please contact:          

Robin Kiely                            Joe Carmody 

                                    Ryanair Ltd                            Edelman Ireland

                                    Tel: [phone]              Tel: [phone]

                                    [e-mail]                [e-mail]

Follow us on Twitter: @Ryanair

 

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