Ryanair halts wage talks in Spain despite strike threat, unions say

MADRID (Reuters) – Ryanair has halted talks with two Spanish unions over a wage hike, the unions stated, amid threats the low-cost airline’s cabin crew may go on strike in a number of European international locations in the course of the summer season season.

Europe’s largest finances airline walked away from the talks on Tuesday arguing the strike risk by European unions confirmed an absence of dedication to dialogue, Spanish unions USO and STCPLA stated in a joint assertion.

They accused Ryanair of appearing in dangerous religion and stated they sought to return to the negotiating desk.

Ryanair didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

Seven unions from Italy, France, Portugal, Belgium and Spain issued a press release in Could warning that Ryanair’s cabin crew in these international locations may launch a strike this summer season if the airline didn’t supply a “significant response” to their calls for for higher working situations.

The risk comes because the airline sector hopes to get well this summer season from the influence of the pandemic.

Ryanair’s Group Chief Govt Michael O’Leary stated in Could bookings appeared very sturdy for the summer season and the load issue ought to step by step rise to 94-95% in June-August, virtually reaching pre-COVID-19 pandemic ranges.

Portugal’s union of civil aviation workers SNPVAC stated in Could after assembly different unions in Brussels that Ryanair acted as if “European and nationwide laws may be negotiated”. It complained that crew members work with out entry to consuming water on board and don’t have any native assist from human sources.

(Reporting by Joan Faus and Catarina Demony; Enhancing by Alexandra Hudson)