German flight attendants union slams Ryanair refusal to talk

A German union representing flight attendants criticised Ryanair Tuesday, saying the airline was refusing to meet with them to discuss pay and conditions. The UFO union said it was reaching out to the European Cabin Crew Association to determine how to increase pressure on Ryanair. The airline reversed its longstanding refusal to recognise pilots' unions last week, saying it had invited several for talks because it wished to "avoid any threat of disruption to its customers and its flights from pilot unions during Christmas week." UFO chairman Alexander Behrens welcomed Ryanair's willingness to talk to pilots, but warned it could be an attempt to avert strikes in several European countries over the busy Christmas season. Behrens claimed flight attendants' pay is only marginally above minimum wage. <br/>