Ryanair will seek a High Court injunction this week in an attempt to stop strike action by its UK pilots, the pilots’ union has said.
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) said the airline’s “chance to resolve the dispute involving their pilots has been lost” and that it was now “relying on legal technicalities to try to persuade the High Court to block the strike.”
Strike action is scheduled from 0001 on August 22 until 2359 on August 23, and from 0001 on 2 September until 2359 on 4 September.
Ryanair’s Irish pilots plan to strike on August 22 and 23. Ryanair has also sought an injunction from Ireland’s High Court to block Irish trade union Forsa, the Irish Times reports.
BALPA said it invited Ryanair to join its representatives at talks this week but the airline refused.
It also criticised the low-cost carrier for continuing to sell tickets for the planned strike days.
Ryanair’s chief people officer Eddie Wilson said: “We have done everything in our power to avoid disruption to our flights and our customers’ holidays.”
In a video posted on Twitter over the weekend, Wilson said affected passengers would be notified by email or text and be offered alternative flights or a refund, or be rerouted.
BALPA General Secretary Brian Strutton said:
“Ryanair pilots in the UK have a serious dispute with their company which will not be resolved by raising legal technicalities in the High Court.
“Their attempt to block lawful strike action is just another demonstration of the bullying tactics the airline appears to favour. It means all the time that could have been used to try to find a resolution will now be spent preparing for the court action.
“It’s also worrying to see Ryanair continue to sell tickets for strike days – are they prepared to offer compensation to passengers if they are affected? I think they should tell passengers exactly where they stand.”
British Airways passengers may face disruption this summer due to another proposed pilot strike.
Last month the UK High Court denied an attempt by British Airways’ owner International Airlines Group to get an injunction against the industrial action.