RYANAIR TO SUE FRENCH UNION F
RYANAIR TO SUE FRENCH UNION FOR UNLAWFUL STRIKE IN CARCASSONNE
Ryanair, Europe's leading low fares airline, today (Monday, 2nd June 2008) announced that it has filed legal proceedings for damages against French trade union, Confederation General de Travail (CGT). These proceedings arise from losses suffered during last weekend's unlawful strikes (Saturday 24th to Monday 26th May) by members of the union employed in check-in, security and fuelling duties at Carcassonne Airport. One such instance involved the decision by a fueller to go on strike as a Ryanair aircraft was on approach to the airport, necessitating the diversion of the aircraft to Perpignan and consequently that aircraft and two subsequent flights were unable to transport the return passengers. These damages arise from compensation claims filed by passengers whose flights were delayed or cancelled as a result of this unlawful strike and further costs suffered by Ryanair in flying empty aircraft back to London, Dublin and Charleroi.
Confirming these proceedings, Ryanair's Deputy CEO, Michael Cawley, said:
'The action by the striking workers at Carcassonne Airport was unlawful, unwarranted and caused considerable hardship for our passengers as well as significant costs for them and for the airline. The fueller in Carcassonne walked off the job just as a Ryanair aircraft was on approach to landing at the airport. This type of anarchy highlights the flagrant disregard which the union's members have for the travelling public in Carcassonne. Prior to Ryanair arriving at Carcassonne Airport seven years ago there were no passengers at airport. Consequently, there was no employment for many of these union members who now mistakenly believe that they can simply walk off the job with no notice and thereby strand hundreds of passengers at the airport.
“Ryanair and its passengers are not prepared to suffer the costs of these unlawful and unwarranted actions. The European Union claims that airlines can recover costs for these unlawful disruptions and it’s about time that this law was tested. We do not wish to deprive individuals of their right to strike. However, if they wish to go on strike then they should give airlines and passengers sufficient notice to allow for alternative plans to be made. We do not believe that it is fair, reasonable or lawful that airport employees simply walk off the job and endanger the safety of passengers and aircraft as they are coming in to land at Carcassonne.
'We are this week filing papers in a lawsuit against CGT, the trade union to which the strikers belong seeking damages and an undertaking that future strikes will take place only after adequate notice has been given to airlines and passengers at Carcassonne'.
Ends Monday, 2nd June 2008
For reference: Lorna Farren Pauline McAlester
Ryanair Murray Consultants
Tel: 00 353 1 812 1271 Tel: 00 353 1 4980 300
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