Ryanair to sue French Union

Ryanair, today announced that it has filed legal proceedings for damages against French trade union, Confederation General de Travail (CGT).

These proceedings arise from losses suffered during last weekend’s 'unlawful' strikes by members of the union employed in check-in, security and fuelling duties at Carcassonne Airport.

One such instance involved the decision by a fueller to go on strike as a Ryanair aircraft was on approach to the airport, necessitating the diversion of the aircraft to Perpignan and consequently that aircraft and two subsequent flights were unable to transport the return passengers.

These damages arise from compensation claims filed by passengers whose flights were delayed or cancelled as a result of this unlawful strike and further costs suffered by Ryanair in flying empty aircraft back to London, Dublin and Charleroi.

Confirming these proceedings, Ryanair’s deputy CEO, Michael Cawley, said: “The action by the striking workers at Carcassonne Airport was unlawful, unwarranted and caused considerable hardship for our passengers as well as significant costs for them and for the airline.

"The fueller in Carcassonne walked off the job just as a Ryanair aircraft was on approach to landing at the airport. This type of anarchy highlights the flagrant disregard which the union’s members have for the travelling public in Carcassonne. Prior to Ryanair arriving at Carcassonne Airport seven years ago there were no passengers at airport.

"Consequently, there was no employment for many of these union members who now mistakenly believe that they can simply walk off the job with no notice and thereby strand hundreds of passengers at the airport.

“We are this week filing papers in a lawsuit against CGT, the trade union to which the strikers belong seeking damages and an undertaking that future strikes will take place only after adequate notice has been given to airlines and passengers at Carcassonne”.