Ryanair’s O’Leary Attacks British Airways Union Leaders

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has attacked the leaders of Unite for continuing to strike against British Airways. The British airline is in the middle of their second 5-day walkout after taking industrial action in March and then again last week.

O’Leary has called the cabin crew “lions (being) led by donkeys” and describes the industrial action as “wrinklies waving (paperboard signs).” British Airways staff aren’t use to the idea that the days of flying overseas, staying for 3 days at the airline’s expense and then going back home for a week off are over, he continued. The carrier’s management has done well, O’Leary added, and if the union leaders were smarter, they would realize defeat, make an agreement and go back to work.

This isn’t the first time that O’Leary has backed British Airways management against Unite. In March, he called the union “a bunch of dimwits”. He said that it’s crazy the staff are striking with the recession still affecting the market, calling the timing “spectacularly stupid”.

As for British Airways management, they have met with Unite leaders again this week for more talks, but there is no sign of a deal. The sides continue to dispute over travel perks that were taken from striking crew at the end of March. The union has offered to pause the walkouts if travel perks are returned, and Walsh will return them, but only if the staff are treated as new recruits.

Meanwhile, the attack from O’Leary comes after Ryanair posted a £281 million pretax profit for the financial year ending March 31, which is a 204% increase on the previous year. The airline also plans to increase summer baggage fees – from £15 to £25 for one bag and from £25 to £50 for a second bag. Fares are set to increase 5% to 10% next year as well.