Ryanair vows to appeal decision on workers' rights

Budget airline Ryanair has said it has not been informed of any decision from a Charleroi tribunal in relation to rights for cross-border workers, but that it would appeal if the judgement went against the airline.

A court in Charleroi ruled in favour of three Belgian employees who claimed their 2002 dismissal by Ryanair was an infringement of Belgian labour laws. The company claimed the three were hired on Irish contracts and their sacking was legal under Irish law.

"If the reports are correct that it has found in favour of the three former employees then Ryanair will appeal the decision," Ryanair said today.

Commenting on this case this morning, Ryanair’s Director of Personnel Eddie Wilson said: "These three former employees were let go at the end of their probation period in accordance with their contract of employment. Ryanair will launch an appeal to this decision in order to uphold our contracts of employment".