Ryanair warns of disruption as more pilots join planned strike

Ryanair is making contingency plans for disruption to flights after pilot unions in 3 countries announced strikes for the coming days and 2 others threatened industrial action. The strikes, which would be the first in Ryanair's 32-year history, are being organised by pilots demanding an overhaul of the company's system of contracts and collective bargaining. Pilots and ground crew in Italy are due to take action first with a 4-hour strike Friday, to be followed by a 24-hour stoppage by pilots in Ireland and Portugal Dec 20. Pilots in Germany and Spain have said they are considering industrial action. Ryanair promised to "face down" the threatened strike. Management has warned pilots who take part in strike action may lose out on promotions and could cause the company to shift planes and jobs to lower-cost bases. <br/>