Ryanair has sent communications to several onboard assistants in Spain requesting the return of amounts received over 2024. The values in question correspond to salary increases assigned during the first months of the year. At the same time, the salaries of these workers were reversed to the values previously practiced. The decision caught many by surprise and generated discomfort among the affected professionals.
Company directly contacted employees
The messages were referred by e -mail, directly to the targeted employees, where the amount to be returned to be specified. In some cases, the values exceed three thousand euros, accumulated over about five months. The affected employees were also informed of the possibility of avoiding the return if they accepted to associate with a specific union. This proposal has raised additional concerns with workers.
According to documents to which the reuters agency had access, the airline suggested adhesion to the Comic Union Comesiones Obreras (CO) as an alternative to reimbursement of the values. This association would be, according to the company, the only one with which there is a valid agreement in force. The communication caused indignation among affiliated workers in other unions, which consider the situation unfair. The proposal was interpreted by many as an indirect form of pressure on workers.
Union dispute is the origin of the controversy
The case involves a dispute between union structures and stems from a conflict of representativeness in the negotiation of labor rights. In 2023, Ryanair signed a salary agreement with CO, which was applied to most of the onboard assistants. However, the validity of this agreement was later questioned by another union, the Union Union Obrera (use), which took the case to the courts. The use claimed that CO had no legitimacy to represent their workers.
In March 2024, the national hearing, a superior judicial court in Spain, decided to annul the agreement between Ryanair and CO. The court decision was taken following the process filed by use, which considered the negotiation illegitimate. The sentence led Ryanair to retreat under the agreed salary conditions and to request the return of the amounts already paid. Only the workers represented by the CO maintained the increases, being the remaining excluded.
Critical Use of the Company
The Use Union criticized how the company implemented the court’s decision, alleging lack of transparency and dialogue with affected workers. Speaking to the BBC, representatives of use guaranteed to study all possible legal copies to reverse the situation. The union accuses the company to penalize workers improperly, instead of assuming the consequences of the court decision. The situation aggravated the work climate in the basis of the company in Spain.
One of the affected on -board assistants, who preferred to maintain anonymity, revealed to Reuters to have been confronted with a return request of 3,857 euros. The same employee also indicated that his salary was immediately reduced after the company’s decision. This employee fears reprisals if he speaks publicly about the case and states that several colleagues face similar situations. Many workers will have begun to return the requested amounts.
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Close salaries of the minimum make reimbursement
These professionals claim that their monthly income is already close to the Spanish minimum wage, currently fixed in 1,184 euros. The earned amount varies depending on the number of flight hours, becoming unstable at certain times of the year. The return of such high amounts represents a significant charge for many workers. Some report that they will have to resort to savings or family help to meet the company’s request.
The airline did not provide public clarifications about the process. The human resources official who signed the communications sent to the workers was contacted by, but did not respond to requests for comment. The lack of official information has been pointed out as one of the main factors of instability among employees. The company merely mentioned that it is complying with judicial decisions.
Spokesman confirms compliance with the law
A Ryanair spokesman indicated, in a written response, that the company is applying the sentence issued by the Spanish court. According to this statement, the carrier is acting in accordance with the law and undertakes to seek a proper solution. The company has not advanced, however, with any compensation or support measure to workers forced to return the amounts. Criticism of case management have been increasing.
The current situation is another chapter in the ‘tense’ relationship between Ryanair and its employees in various European countries. In recent years, the airline has faced several strikes and protests by its workers. Requirements include better working conditions, fairer wages and greater respect for trade union rights. Spain has been one of the countries where labor conflicts with the carrier have been more frequent.
Climate of instability among workers
The pressure on workers increased after the reversal of wages and the requirement of return of increases. Many employees refer to feeling unprotected and without support from the company. Unions warn of the risk of new stoppages and lawsuits, if the situation is not resolved. Uncertainty about the future of labor relations in the company remains.
The case continues to be accompanied by the international media, given the impact it may have on the aviation sector. With summer at the door, a possible worsening situation may affect flight operation in several countries. Workers await a clearer position of the company and the eventual intervention of the Spanish labor authorities.
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