Pilot unions from five European countries have linked up to represent the pilots of low-cost carrier easyJet under the umbrella of the European Cockpit Association, and the Irish pilots' union is keen to see a similar agreement imposed on Ryanair.
The easyJet agreement sees UK pilots' association BALPA, Germany's VC, France's SNPL, Italy's ANPAC and Swiss-ALPA combine forces. BALPA will take the lead in collective representation for easyJet pilots, with personal representation handled by the country in which each pilot is based. For example, a French pilot flying out of Berlin would be represented by VC.
EasyJet has made it clear it is willing to accept the agreement, but convincing Ryanair will be another matter. Michael Landers, assistant general secretary to public services union IMPACT, to which Irish pilots' union IALPA is affiliated, said the easyJet scheme was a "model" for Ryanair pilots, but added that he was "under no illusions" that Ryanair would willingly agree to such a scheme.
However, Landers says a court case currently taking place in Dublin could force Ryanair to accept recommendations from the Irish Labour Court, which adjudicates in labour disputes.
Ryanair is appealing through the Irish Supreme Court against a Labour Court ruling on pay and conditions, and Landers says that if it fails, a legal precedent will be set that could force Ryanair to accept pan-European union agreements. In the longer term, labour unions are known to be looking at the possibility of European-wide industrial action against Ryanair. ■
Source: Airline Business
