The Ryanair union-management dispute escalated further today, as Dublin-based Ryanair pilots announced their intention to hold another one-day strike, this time on the Friday of the bank holiday weekend.
Transport Minister Shane Ross said passengers are now “getting into real difficulties” as the dispute escalates.
Around 100 Irish based pilots will walk off the job on Friday, August 3.
It comes as the airline warns that the jobs of up to 300 pilots and cabin crew could be at risk, as it plans to scale back its fleet in Dublin.
In a surprise move this morning Ryanair confirmed it plans to cut the number of its planes in Dublin from 30 to 24.
It has told 100 pilots and over 200 cabin crew that their services may not be required from the end of October.
Ryanair is blaming the recent strikes and their impact on bookings.
Bernard Harbour from the trade union FÓRSA says there is likely to be further disruption.
“They’re interpreting that as a provocative act and an attempt to intimidate pilots who have been taking industrial action so today we have announced a further one day strike on the 3rd of August and if Ryanair are incapable of changing tack there is likely to be further disruption in the future.”
Despite the escalation in this dispute – Transport Minister Shane Ross says he is not getting involved.
He said: “My worry is for everyone involved that they get back to work because the passengers are being affected adversely and people are getting into real difficulties and we want to see that end as soon as possible but I am not going to intervene in a dispute of that sort.”
The pilot strike has so far led to the cancellation of 70 flights affecting 11,000 – with more disruption yet to come.