Ryanair avoids unions with ultra-low-cost unit

Ryanair is ramping up a new subsidiary with weaker labour rights to better compete in eastern Europe, infuriating staff and unions by bypassing concessions granted during a year of industrial strife.

However, a key element of the plan, forcing staff to move to self-employment contracts, is being probed by Polish authorities and a law to allow contractors to join unions, and potentially push for concessions granted in western Europe, is due to enter force there in January.