Ryanair condemns Portuguese strike

21 May 2012 09:31

Ryanair passengers will face flight disruptions and cancellations this weekend due to the strike in Portugal

Ryanair passengers will face flight disruptions and cancellations this weekend due to the strike in Portugal

Low-cost carrier Ryanair has slammed a move by airport staff and air control workers in Portugal to take industrial action over pay cuts.

The walk-out, which will last for three days, is set to take place this weekend and will result in many holidaymakers' travel plans being disrupted through cancellations and delays.

Ryanair's comments come following an announcement that some of the airline's flights have been cancelled, which could prompt passengers to call on their travel insurance providers for help in rearranging alternative travel plans.

The Irish company has urged the European Commission to abolish the rights of air traffic controllers to take industrial action in Europe, adding that army and police forces in Europe do not have the same freedom to strike.

In America the law states that air traffic controllers cannot strike, and the group - considered the biggest budget airline in Europe - believes the Commission should enforce a similar rule to ATC employees in Europe.

A Ryanair spokesman said: "It is unacceptable that the skies over Europe are repeatedly closed or flights delayed by the unjustified strike action of tiny numbers of air traffic controllers. These public servants are among the most overpaid and protected in Europe and yet they repeatedly opt for the strike weapon as a first, rather than a last resort."

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