7th Mar 2014 17:46
LONDON (Alliance News) - Ryanair Holdings PLC Friday said it has been granted leave to seek a High Court injunction against strike action at Irish airports on March 14.
The Irish Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union plans to shut down Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports for four hours on March 14 to help resolve a long standing pensions-row.
The airline said it will not allow over 13,000 of its customers to be "blackmailed by greedy SIPTU unions."
Ryanair singled out Aer Lingus staff, saying that they receive a defined contribution pension scheme and these staff have already received over EUR600 million in pay-offs, pension top ups and free shares over the past 8 years.
The news comes as Ryanair failed in an appeal on Friday against the Competition Commission's decision to force Ryanair to sell down its minority stake in Aer Lingus to 5% from 29.82%.
"SIPTU's attempt to shut down air access from the country's three main airports is unlawful, unnecessary and unfair to passengers," Ryanair said in a statement.
The company said it is taking legal action to protect its customers and said that if it goes ahead, the company will make every effort to minimise the disruption to its customers who will be contacted early next week with details of any rescheduling of their flights.
Ryanair also called on the Irish Department of Transport to explain its contingency plans regarding the strike action.
Ryanair shares closed down 2.1% at 7.34 pence Friday.
By Tom McIvor; [email protected]; @TomMcIvor1
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