Ryanair has announced that it has filed legal proceedings against the French trade union CGT (Confederation General de Travail) after it suffered losses arising from unlawful strikes by union members employed as check-in, fuelling and security staff at Carcassonne airport during the 24th - 26th May.

One instance involved the decision by a fueller to go on strike as a Ryanair aircraft was on approach to the airport, necessitating the diversion of the aircraft to Perpignan and consequently the aircraft and two subsequent flights were unable to transport the return passengers.

The damages arise from compensation claims filed by passengers whose flights were delayed or cancelled as a result of the strike and further costs suffered by Ryanair in flying empty aircraft back to London, Dublin and Charleroi.

Confirming the proceedings, Ryanair's Deputy CEO, Michael Cawley, said "The action by the striking workers at Carcassonne Airport was unlawful, unwarranted and caused considerable hardship for our passengers as well as significant costs for them and for the airline. The fueller in Carcassonne walked off the job just as a Ryanair aircraft was on approach to landing at the airport. This type of anarchy highlights the flagrant disregard which the union's members have for the travelling public in Carcassonne. Prior to Ryanair arriving at Carcassonne Airport seven years ago there were no passengers at airport. Consequently, there was no employment for many of these union members who now mistakenly believe that they can simply walk off the job with no notice and thereby strand hundreds of passengers at the airport."

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