The first cancellations of Ryanair flights fell on Thursday, days before the company’s Belgian pilots strike, which will take place this weekend. All flights operated in Belgium departing from Zaventem will be canceled as well as many flights from Charleroi, Didier Lebbe, of the CNE, told the Belga agency on Thursday.
The reasons for this weekend’s strike are the same as those that led to the movement at the end of June. Pilots feel “despised” and are awaiting a salary increase following agreeing to give up 20% of their salary during the health crisis linked to the coronavirus. “Ryanair said business was up 115% from its 2019 level, so there’s nothing stopping this wage upgrade”explained Didier Lebbe.
The Irish airline signed agreements on Thursday, in particular concerning a salary increase, with the French and Spanish pilots. “There is talk of a return to the 2020 salary in 2027”s’insurge Didier Lebbe. “I don’t know why they signed this, but there’s no way similar agreements will be signed in Belgium.” In Belgium, the management of Ryanair has not made any contact with the pilots’ unions for negotiations, adds the unionist.
Brussels Airport has confirmed in a statement that only Ryanair flights with Belgian crew will be cancelled. This represents five rotations, five departures and five arrivals, out of a total of 16 for the day on Saturday. The airport expects a similar situation on Sunday. The other flights, which depart with crews from other countries, are maintained. Brussels Airport specifies, however, that the situation is still likely to change.
