Ryanair is planning to implement a new pay structure for its Irish pilots based on the recommendations of an independent mediator, the airline said on Wednesday January 29, in an effort to end one of its most intractable labour disputes.
The Fórsa trade union, which represents Irish pilots, was not immediately available to comment on the announcement.
Ryanair has suffered several waves of industrial action in the past two years by pilots and cabin crew over terms and conditions, but the situation has eased in recent months after management agreed terms with several national unions.
The Irish pilots union, which represents less than 10% of the airline's 5,500 pilots, is one of the most active, and an agreement in Ryanair's home market would mark a significant breakthrough in attempts to normalise industrial relations.
Collective Labour Agreement
"Ryanair today [Wednesday January 29] confirmed that it had accepted before Christmas the recommendations of independent mediator Mr. Kieran Mulvey on a four year Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) with the pilot union Fórsa to cover all Ryanair's directly employed pilots in Ireland to 2024," the airline said in a statement.
"Ryanair will now implement the terms of this CLA, which will deliver a new pay structure along with a fixed 5/4 roster for the next four years," it said, referring to the airline's traditional pilot schedule of five days of work followed by four days off.
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