01 Sep 2004 -
Ryan-Be-Fair

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Last week, trade unionists, including representatives from Belgian ITF affiliate Syndicat des Employés Techniciens et Cadres, staged a demonstration outside a Belgian labour court in a show of anger over Ryanair’s anti-union stance.

Apart from outlining the company’s refusal to recognise any trade union - workers fear dismissal if they sign up - the protest also highlighted the sacking of three Ryanair workers in Belgium, one of the 14 countries in which the company operates. The contracts of the employees, who were working out a trial period, were terminated without any adequate explanation. They were bound by Irish rather than Belgian contracts, despite routinely performing their work in Belgium.

The ETF is demanding a number of measures, including ensuring the sacked workers be accorded social rights in line with Belgian law and the recognition of trade unions by Ryanair in all countries where personnel are employed.

More information: François Ballestero, ETF, email f.ballestero@etf.skynet.be

Source: ITF News On Line, 28 November 2003