Ryanair pilots back 12-month pay freeze

Ryanair pilots have overwhelmingly voted for a 12-month pay freeze as part of a cost-cutting venture in the face of massive losses, the airline said today.

The low-fares carrier said it had originally sought a 10% pay cut for pilots but staff opted instead for a salary freeze with productivity increases as an alternative.

Spokesman David O’Brien said management at the company had already taken cuts and pilots had now rowed in by way of support.

“These are extraordinarily difficult times in the airline industry,” Mr O’Brien said.

“In Ryanair, we are still lowering air fares, which means we will suffer losses in both our third and fourth quarters of the current year.

“Our pilots have recognised the difficulties we face and are making their contribution by negotiating this pay freeze and productivity increase as the preferred alternative to pay cuts.”

Last month the budget carrier announced a net loss of more than €100m for the three months to the end of December.

It is axing 250 jobs and taking five planes out of circulation this summer at Dublin, blaming a tourist tax and a hike in ATC charges.

It also expects to axe another 150 staff and cut its winter schedule later in the year.

Mr O’Brien said the airline was tightening its belt.

“We are tightening our belt, to ensure that Ryanair meets its target of a 5% reduction in unit costs over the coming year which will allow us to pass on even lower fares to our passengers, and ensure that Ryanair continues to grow, continues to recruit and train new pilots, and continues to create jobs and promotions for our 6,000 people.”