Fórsa has sought an acceleration of pay restoration for its members in Ryanair due to the increased cost of living.

Senior union official Ashley Connolly, who has been leading these talks, said the union wanted to fast-track the measures contained in the ‘emergency Covid-19 agreement,' which was accepted by members in a ballot.

The agreement, which followed weeks of discussions, is due to run until 2024.

“The agreement, which was backed by 82% of members in a ballot, ensures accelerated pay restoration as well as significant pay increases. We know the importance of some form of imminent relief for members given the current rate of inflation. This is top of our negotiating agenda in current discussions,” said Ashley.

The union is also due to begin engagement with management this month on the development of a more extensive collective labour agreement, with the aim of reaching agreement no later than December 2022.

“There are substantial issues for cabin crew, including transfers, and it has been agreed that the parties would engage from June on the development of a more extensive collective bargaining agreement. It was also agreed that operational meetings will be convened with the local representatives and management on a regular basis to address issues outside of the industrial relations arena,” said Ashley.

Meanwhile, the union’s representatives have also raised the inflationary pressures on its members in recent meetings with the Labour Court.

Fórsa officials in ICTU’s Private Sector Committee delegation to the court said the meeting was focused on the outcome of recent pay negotiations and court recommendations.