Ryanair is ramping up a new subsidiary with weaker labor rights to better compete in eastern Europe, infuriating staff and unions by bypassing concessions granted during a year of industrial strife.
But a key element of the plan, forcing staff to move to self-employment contracts, is being probed by Polish authorities and a law to allow contractors to join unions -- and potentially push for concessions granted in Western Europe -- is due to enter force there in January.
Ryanair says many staff are happy with contractor status, which they say gives them higher pay, with Ryanair executive Kenny Jacobs saying he understands criticism from unions as the model is "not necessarily the best model for union membership growth".
But the chair of the CWR union of cabin crew workers in Poland Justyna Boczkur says the deal leaves employees without legal protection or entitlement to rights such as maternity leave.
Moreover, Boczkur says staff who do not sign on to the new contract could keep working for Ryanair in the UK or Germany - but the transfer could mean going on unpaid leave for up to four months over the winter period.
Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier has seen almost a third wiped off its share value in 12 months since strike threats led it to recognize unions for the first time. Investors fear better staff conditions could undermine its business model, among other issues.
It has reached an agreement on wages and benefits with the main German pilot union that will ensure there is no repeat of strikes that disrupted flights in the country before last Christmas.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 International, Reuters
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: Shutterstock