Ryanair expect only ‘minimal disruption’ ahead of Spain, Portugal, and Italy strikes

Ryanair believe upcoming cabin crew strikes will be “relatively insignificant in terms of disruption”.

Strikes are due to take place in Spain on June 24th, 25th, 26th and 30th, and on July 1st and 2nd, while in Italy there will be industrial action on June 25th.

In Portugal staff will strike between June 24-26.

Read more: Ryanair strike warning for Spain as 6 dates announced for summer

Portugal’s union of civil aviation personnel SNPVAC said in a statement on Tuesday that workers are demanding compliance with Portuguese law and better working conditions.

“This mobilisation is not only an opportunity to put the spotlight on multiple attacks on workers’ dignity and to make this reality known but also a moment to show unity and solidarity against dumping”, the union added.

The airline said that the staff taking part in the strikes represent “single digit employee numbers” and the expect “minimal- if any” disruption to occur.

Speaking on Newstalk on Thursday, Ryanair’s Director of Marketing Dara Brady said the airline is “confident” throughout the summer period.

He said: “Certainly, we don’t envisage a ‘summer of chaos’…

“If anything, what we’re seeing is a lot of hype in the media over something that we think will be relatively insignificant in terms of disruption.

“We’re very confident throughout the summer period and indeed over the coming weekend; we want to give our customers who are due to fly with us some reassurances that we’re expecting minimal – if any – disruption at all.”

Mr Brady said Ryanair have agreements in place with over 90% of their staff and those striking make up “single digit employee numbers”.

“The unions that are getting the media coverage have very little representation of our staff,” he said.

“[In] Portugal, less than 3% of our staff are covered by the union who are going on strike. So you’re talking single digit employee numbers being represented by a union who is making an awful lot of noise in the media.”

Mr Brady confirmed that industrial action in Italy last week resulted in no flight cancellations but strikes in France disrupted 25% of their flights.

“We had zero cancellations from strikes last week on our flights in Italy,” he said.

“France we had very minimum disruptions. We operated most of our flights last week, we were operating at about 75%.

“It is (a bit of a disruption) but in the overall context of chaos.. we’re not envisaging that.

“We’re doing everything we can to try and minimise disruption.”

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