A strike by cabin staff of the Ryanair low-cost airline has been confirmed for 25-26 July after talks on Wednesday within a paritary commission failed to achieve any substantial progress, the Christian trade union LBC-NVK told Belga news agency. “We view this meeting as a victory because Ryanair was officially represented for the first time,” added LBC-NVK’s Hans Elsen. “Because of the pressure of the strike, we think they will now take the Belgian social partners seriously.”
Next week’s strike is nevertheless maintained, because no progress was made at the meeting, Elsen added. “Ryanair only wants to speak to people with Ryanair contracts and not subcontractors of their own company," he explained. "One of the basic conditions for holding negotiations is that we can include all staff in the discussions.”
The meeting ended around midday and a new one will be held in September.
Unions in four European countries, including Belgium, have announced coordinated strikes to press for better working conditions. Ryanair stewards in Spain, Portugal, and Belgium will strike on 25-26 July, while their counterparts in Italy will go on strike for one-day on the 25th.
The unions are calling on the carrier to respect national labour laws and offer all cabin staff the same conditions.
The Brussels Times
