In the wake of the Corona crisis, Ryanair employees had to accept severe cuts. Pilots across Europe are now criticizing Michael O'Leary's salary policy in an open letter.

The crews were hit hard by severe pay cuts. The pilots have relied on the fact that their salary cuts of up to twenty percent – ​​implemented in addition to short-time work – will be adjusted back to the level before the crisis as quickly as possible. The fact that Michael O'Leary voluntarily reduced his salary at the time also contributed to this trust. 

In an open letter, the pilots across Europe are now criticizing the distorted view of the Ryanair boss and his management on the company's economic situation. On its own it seems good enough to be able to afford the original remuneration again. However, concessions are still being demanded from employees. 

“It is absolutely disgraceful that Mr. O'Leary behaved in a way that distanced himself from our European values ​​and thereby recklessly risked a permanently dissatisfied workforce. An airline in a volatile environment is particularly dependent on the motivation and commitment of its employees," says Marcel Gröls, Chairman of Collective Bargaining.

In this context, the Cockpit Association criticizes the increasingly widespread strategy of many airlines of not coping with crises together with their employees, but of wanting to make temporary cost reductions permanently necessary under the pretext of crises. "Other industry giants, such as Southwest Airline, are dealing with the situation differently and are now even paying employees bonuses in order to start on the successful path to a positive future according to the motto "success belongs to everyone", Gröls concludes.

You will find the open letter to Mr. O'Leary here.