Ryanair launches attack on striking air controllers
19 February 2008Ryanair has launched an attack on air traffic controllers whose strikes have caused disruption at airports in Ireland, leading many people to rely on their travel insurance cover.
Over the weekend, Ireland's three major airports - Cork, Dublin and Shannon - were closed, delaying many flights and disrupting the travel plans of thousands of passengers.
Ryanair accused the air traffic controllers of engaging in 'blue flu' strike action and described their conduct as unacceptable.
The airline also said that the pay increases that the air traffic controllers are seeking are unjustified.
According to Ryanair, the striking workers are on an average annual salary of €108,000 (£81,730) and, among other demands, are asking for a pay rise of 15 per cent just for volunteering to go on an overtime list.
Peter Sherrard, spokesman for the low-fares airline, said: "This is a scam on the travelling public and ordinary passengers.
"It's about time that Bertie Ahern's government stood up to these public sector trade union scams and implemented a contingency plan to prevent these public sector unions closing our international airports."