Ryanair Ireland pilots agree 20% pay cut

Budget carrier Ryanair said its Ireland-based pilots had accepted a 20% pay cut and changes to work practices in order to save jobs, following a similar move by the UK pilot union BALPA.

The four-year agreement includes a 20% pay cut which would be restored over four years with productivity improvements on rosters, flexible working patterns and annual leave, the airline said.

Ryanair added that 100% of pilots had accepted the deal, but did not say how many jobs would now be cut.

Agreements have been signed with the Forsa union for Irish-based cabin crew and UNITE for UK crew, accepting 10% pay reductions, fully restored over four years as well as productivity improvements. The cabin crew agreements are currently out to ballot.

"The strength of this acceptance demonstrates the commitment from our pilots in Ireland and the UK. to work with Ryanair as we work our way through this crisis over the next number of years," said Ryanair chief executive Eddie Wilson.