German Ryanair pilots announce 24-hour strike for Wednesday

Photo: © News Øresund - Johan Wessman

The German pilots union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), has announced an industrial action from Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 3:01 am to Thursday, September 13, 2018, 2:59 am.

All flights scheduled to depart from German airports during this time will be affected“, VC announced in a statement on Monday. As a result, Ryanair had to cancel 150 of 400 flights from and to Germany on Wednesday.

The German pilots union is demanding improvements concerning pay and working conditions. About 55,000 passengers were affected during the latest European industrial action in August.

Nevertheless, Ryanair has not issued an improved offer. According to Ingolf Schumacher, head of Industrial Relations VC, negotiations have come to a standstill. In August 2018, Ryanair reached an agreement with the trade union representing Irish pilots. However, Vereinigung Cockpit is convinced that the agreement cannot be a blueprint for a solution in Germany.

Ryanair threatens job cuts

On Tuesday, Ryanair has also warned of possible job cuts in Germany if strikes persist. “We regret this threatened strike, which […] can only damage Ryanair’s business in Germany, and if they continue, will lead to base cuts and job cuts for both German pilots and cabin crew, particularly at some secondary German bases“, Kenny Jacobs, Ryanair’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement on Tuesday.

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