Ryanair at war with German union after flying in staff to alleviate strikes

Low cost airline Ryanair has risked a major legal battle after flying staff to Berlin in order to combat a widespread strike orchestrated by one of Germany’s largest workers’ unions.

A baggage handlers’ strike has crippled the German capital’s airports in the last week, and the Verdi union is threatening to take Michael O’Leary’s company to court for importing staff to deal with the slowdown.

Verdi general secretary Enrico Rümker attacked Ryanair for using staff which were not sufficiently qualified to replace those on strike.

“The airline flew in its own staff that, without any security training and with day passes, are now operating on the Schönefeld apron,” Rümker said.

“When strike breakers are deployed, it will no longer be possible for us to announce strikes before they begin,” added Mr Rümker.

“Until now, out of consideration to passengers, we announced the previous three strike days 18 hours in advance.”

Ryanair responded by saying that union members were holding passengers to ransom in the German capital, denying that the staff flown in were unqualified for the role.

“It’s unacceptable that a handful of ground handling unions can close the airports of Germany’s capital city for a second day, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights, and disrupting the travel plans of thousands of customers.

"We call on the German Government to intervene and prevent further disruption to Berlin, its airports, airlines, customers and visitors."