A GROUP representing Ryanair pilots has called on chief executive Michael O’Leary to resign, claiming more flight cancellations are “inevitable”.
The European Employee Representative Council (EERC) – an unofficial body representing pilots in Europe – made the demand in a letter to the Irish airline today.
The body said it believed large numbers of pilots were leaving Ryanair and that O’Leary had failed to resolve the ongoing problem.
However, Ryanair have rejected the letter, with chief people officer Eddie Wilson describing it as “bizarre” and “ridiculous”.
He added that the carrier had “more than enough” pilots to fly its planes.
Ryanair suffered the biggest PR disaster in its history last Autumn when it cancelled over 20,000 flights due to staffing issues with standby pilots.
Ryanair cancelled 20,000 flights last Autumn over issues with standby pilots (Picture: Getty)In December, the firm bowed to significant pressure to recognise unions for the first time in its history.
While the decision averted the prospect of strikes over Christmas, Ryanair has only struck a recognition deal with British-based pilots since.
Mr O’Leary has admitted that strikes are likely over Easter as a result of continuing disputes, but though the EERC dismissed the claim as "alarmist" in their letter.
According to Reuters, the EERC noted in the letter that pilots were facing increased requests to work on their days off.
It said: "By our assessment, it looks like further cancellations are inevitable due to the continuing resignations of pilots."
Ryanair responded on Monday: "The EERC, and their letters, have no legal standing or validity.
"Ryanair pilots continue to accept pay increases of 20% (so far accepted by over 80% of Ryanair pilots) which shows that Ryanair pilots do not pay any attention to this 'so called' EERC either.".
