The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Ryanair, the Irish multinational airline, has announced it will be dismissing more than 80 of its 557 employees in Belgium. In total the company plans to dismiss around 40 pilots and 40 stewards/stewardesses. In the weeks leading up to the dismissals, the Belgian company management requested personnel to agree with a proposed reduction in wages. If they refused, a dismissal procedure would be initiated, which ultimately happened. The effort is part of a larger plan by the company to dismiss approximately 3000 employees across Europe.
Update 13/9/20: In September the news was released that the amount of dismissals that will occur will be increased to approximately 172. The company blames the ongoing COVID-19 crisis for the increase in dismissals. Local trade union representatives do not contest this reasoning but state that the company also uses it as a tactic to increase pressure on employees and the unions.
Update 04/03/21: At the beginning of March 2021, the news was released that Ryanair was withdrawing its plans to cut 176 jobs. Management and unions reached an agreement on an 8 per cent pay cut. The agreement is valid until June 2025.
Eurofound (2020), Ryanair, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 101278, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/101278.
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