Dutch Ryanair pilots opt to join Friday’s strike, major disruption expected

Ryanair pilots based in the Netherlands have opted to join Friday’s planned strike by air crew throughout Europe.

By joining the strike by Dutch cabin crew, pilots hope to win a pay deal which ‘guarantees fundamental workers rights’, the VNV union said in a statement. In particular, the pilots say they should be covered by Dutch rather than Irish labour law.

‘The Dutch demands are modest: Dutch law should be applied; no more bogus self-employment and sufficient sick pay and pension, the union said.

Dutch Ryanair pilots joined the Europe-wide strike on August 10 but were replaced by pilots from other countries. However, some 400 flights elsewhere in Europe were cancelled.

Last week the European Commission warned the low-cost carrier that it must submit to the labour laws of the countries where its workers live.

‘There are rules, and these are very clear,’ transport commissioner Violeta Bulc told El Pais and other European media outlets.

Pilots and crew in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Belgium as well as the Netherlands. Will take part in Friday’s strike. Cabin crew in Germany may also join the action, El Pais said.

DutchNews.nl has asked Ryanair for comment.