Spanish Ryanair pilots threaten strikes in September over plans to sack 100 staff

PILOTS with Ryanair’s Spanish division have threatened to walk out with cabin crew in September over plans to dismiss around 100 of them, their union has said.

The Spanish Pilots Union (SEPLA) said it would not accept the ‘arbitrary’ dismissal of the pilots which come as part of Ryanair’s plans to cut staff numbers.

The airline claimed they are overstaffed and plan to sack a total of 900 pilots and cabin crew across Europe. Spanish pilots make up 20 per cent of the 500 pilots facing dismissal across Europe.

SEPLA claimed the reasons for the dismissal had not been properly explained or legally justified.

Ryanair said overstaffing and costs related to the delay in the delivery of 30 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft were among the reasons for the sackings.

It comes as Ryanair announced plans to close its bases in Gran Canaria and Tenerife and is also considering shutting one in Girona, Cataluña.

“This is having a direct impact on pilots who face constant uncertainty about their future,” SEPLA said.

SEPLA’s strike threat follows plans from the SITCPLA and USO cabin crew unions to walkout in Septemer.

USO-Ryanair General Secretary Gustavo Silva claimed the airline constantly ‘abused’ its workforce.

Ryanair sources said the sackings and closures were still undergoing consultation and added no routes would be affected if the plans go ahead.

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Joe Gerrard

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