Ryanair is considering a temporary pay freeze as rising fuel costs put pressure on its budget, the airline said. The possible measure comes as multi-year pay agreements with unions reach their end, alongside reviews of other costs.
Chief executive Michael O’Leary said Ryanair expected its fuel bill to rise by an estimated €2 billion. He said the airline was reviewing costs across the group, including airport negotiations, crew ratios and greater use of AI in back-office and support functions. O’Leary also said fares could rise substantially, but might not fully offset the increase in fuel costs.
Jo Mackie, an employment partner at Michelmores, said the prospect of a pay freeze was unsurprising given the increase in fuel prices. She said it remained to be seen whether BALPA and other unions would raise concerns about staffing levels, and noted that AI was already widely used in aviation.
Separately, more than 250 current and former Ryanair pilots are pursuing a group claim over alleged unpaid holiday pay.
Original Source: https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/ryanair-wage-freeze/
