Ryanair sees Easter, summer disruption as union talks drag

Ryanair expects some disruption to flights in the coming months as it discusses union recognition and working with pilot unions, CE Michael O'Leary said Tuesday. The airline averted widespread strikes ahead of Christmas by announcing plans to recognise pilots' unions for the first time in its 32-year history and is talking with unions across Europe on formal recognition. "We are very close to concluding agreements in Spain and Italy and expect them to be finalised within the next month," O'Leary said. "We're not making as much progress in other countries, most notably Ireland and in Portugal. We expect some disruptions, possibly over Easter, maybe over the summer period," he said. COO Peter Bellew said separately that Ryanair expected to achieve a collective wage agreement in Germany over the coming months. <br/>