01 Sep 2004 -
Ryan-Be-Fair

9 February 2005

In December and January, Ryanair faced serious strike threats in Girona, Spain. Baggage handlers at the airport, organised with the Spanish UGT union, demanded fair pay for their good work, and the recognition of their desire for a collective voice.

In a first panic reaction, the airline told passengers not to check in any luggage on flights to this destination, an unprecedented act which must have upset passengers throughout Europe. Some trade union activists from the group of ground handlers were fired. Although this case is not fully resolved yet, most of them were re-hired in the meantime.

Management caved in and agreed to pay a salary increase, which is currently being reviewed by the union. In addition hereto, elections to set up a Union Committee at the airport are being held, following the relevant regional legislation. ITF-affiliated Spanish trade unions are getting ready for this democratic process, and the ITF congratulates them for this break through.

As importantly, the ITF does not intend to let the case rest at this point. It has contacted Girona airport and the regional government, and called upon them to re-evaluate their involvement with Ryanair, an airline which - different to so many in Europe - behaves in such an unacceptable way.

Come back to this website for further updates.