Ryanair wants to close its Eindhoven Airport base, in spite of a judge’s ruling that the Irish low-cost carrier will not be allowed to transfer pilots overseas.
The airline told NOS its base in Eindhoven will remain closed on Monday, and it hopes to transfer 150 pilots abroad. Pilots challenging that decision in court won their case on Thursday.
According to the ruling, Ryanair failed to prove its argument that economic circumstances necessitated closing the base, which means the pilots cannot legally be transferred and the closure of the base is unlawful.
The judgement also said the transfer decision did not take into account employees’ best interests. Ryanair cabin crew based at Eindhoven Airport also took their case to court recently.
The carrier previously indicated that the closure was due to staff strikes, after employees walked out in protest against unsatisfactory working conditions and benefits.
Most Ryanair routes to and from Eindhoven would remain in operation, should the base close.
Separately, ministers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Germany sent a joint letter to Ryanair management calling for the airline to comply with Dutch labour laws.
The aviation sector of the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions and Ryanair staff at Eindhoven Airport had already complained about the firm’s insistence on adhering to Irish law. Employees are asking to be paid in accordance with Dutch employment law, which would include mandatory sick pay.
Source: Studio040
Translation: Nicola W
