Ryanair legal bid makes UK strike more certain, union says

Ryanair’s bid to block a strike by UK pilots rather than return to talks means a walkout before Britain’s busiest weekend for air travel is more certain, according to the union that called the action. Ryanair has lost the chance to resolve the pay dispute by seeking a High Court injunction at a hearing to be held Wednesday, the day before the start of the 48-hour strike at airports including the carrier’s biggest hub at London Stansted, Balpa said Monday. Balpa general secretary Brian Strutton said the attempt to halt the walkout on what he called a legal technicality after refusing further negotiations is “another demonstration of the bullying tactics the airline appears to favour.” He also said that Ryanair is continuing to sell tickets for the strike days, and questioned whether the carrier will be prepared to offer compensation to passengers. <br/>