Pilots call on Ryanair to engage in talks

Ryanair Pilot Group, which claims to represent more than half of Ryanair cockpit crew, urged chief executive officer Michael O'Leary to engage in talks on issues ranging from contracts to annual leave.

The group is asking for a common basic contract that covers all pilots and wants Ryanair to resolve tax issues that arise as a result of working for the airline, according to document provided by the group.

Other concerns include the annual leave system, base transfers and reinstatement of colleagues disciplined because of the request for representation.

“We will be very happy to agree a mutually convenient time and location to open discussions on behalf of the majority of pilots flying for Ryanair,” Evert van Zwol, the pilot group’s interim council chairman, said in a letter to Mr O’Leary.

According to the group, the chief executive said he’ll agree to meet with representatives if members exceeded 1,601 staff.

Ryanair pilots work 36 hours to 42 hours each week, which includes flight time, pre- and post-flight duties, turn-around time and training, the RPG said.

Trainee first officers are also required to pay €28,500 euros up-front for training when they join the airline, according to the organisation. The airline didn’t immediately have a comment.

Bloomberg