A victory for Ryanair workers would be a victory for all workers
People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has said that she and her party fully support the Ryanair strikers.
She said that it is clear that even though the Ryanair workers have forced the company to deal with their Trade Union it has proven almost impossible to get Ryanair to enter into meaningful negotiations with the workers chosen representatives.
She said: “I would like to pay tribute to the brave action taken by Ryanair workers- pilots and cabin crew who have stood up to the bullying tactics of Michael O’Leary and Ryanair. We in People Before Profit fully support them.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the cabin crew who took industrial action in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Belgium particularly following the dreadful treatment and sacking of four of their colleagues who felt it would be unsafe to work due to fatigue.
“It is apparent that Ryanair is trying to break the union and are not being cooperative regarding the negotiations.
She noted that: “The pilots are taking this action due to the precarious contracts and nature of employment that Ryanair are engaged in. The unstructured nature and precariousness of their employment are totally at odds with the important nature of the work that they undertake.
“Ireland has become a social dumping ground for the way that contracts are structured. Ryanair and the aviation industry in this country are propped up by light touch regulation regarding working hours and precarious contracts.
“The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) needs to take action on this light touch regulation and bring bullying employers like Ryanair into line.
“This strike is a very important action for all workers. Ryanair for years has been seen as union busters. Now, these workers are taking them to task and dragging them to the negotiation table. It sends a clear message to all workers that they can face down the threats of bullying employers.”
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