Ryanair faces new strike threat as Spanish pilots sound warning

Spanish union SEPLA is considering industrial action against Irish low-cost operator Ryanair in response to the possible dismissal of 100 pilots. Ryanair told SEPLA it was considering reducing pilot numbers during a meeting on 7 August, says the union. The cutbacks could include the closure of bases at Las Palmas, Tenerife South and possibly Girona. "The pilots' union is not willing to accept that dismissals occur," states SEPLA, arguing that these would be "the product of nefarious management by Ryanair". SEPLA adds that that it will now look at what action it could take, including strikes. Ryanair CE Michael O'Leary recently warned that the airline had a surplus of around 500 pilots and 400 cabin crew as a result of higher staff retention and delays to deliveries of Boeing 737 Max jets. Staff cutbacks would likely begin at the end of the year's summer season, he indicated. The airline has long been embroiled in a dispute with SEPLA over working terms for pilots. Although a recognition agreement was signed by Ryanair with the union earlier in the year, talks over a collective labour agreement have yet to bear fruit, and SEPLA is now accusing the airline of negotiating in bad faith. "The negotiations, which to date have been carried out with absolute slowness and lack of willingness to negotiate by Ryanair, are now contaminated by this unexpected announcement of dismissals," SEPLA complains. Ryanair did not respond to a request for comment on the dispute.<br/>