Originally Posted by
the_stranger
In Dutch law, when to be discharged, the employer would have to get permission from the social security office, making it plausible they discharge them because of economic reasons. They also have to present a decent plan to help those discharged get other jobs, keep them in the company, etc. This has to comply with Dutch law.
From what I've read the pilots are not being fired, they are being offered to change base and remain employed or leave the company. The internal memo which was attached to a previous post seems to show this is the move the company are taking. I worked a few years ago for a European wide company in the automotive industry which closed a branch in the UK and to avoid firing employees they offered to change department or leave. Nobody in that case was paid any form of compensation as it was seen as an attempt by the company to keep everyone employed. This looks awfully similar to that. Unfortunately it looks like all possible outcomes here are going to be very bad for the pilots involved.
Did Ryanair make any agreements with the Dutch pilot union like other countries? I have heard some unions around Europe have come to the negotiating table with long lists of demands on pay and benefits as apposed to laying the foundations for a viable long term strategy to stop base closures & undesired base changes etc. If this is the case that seems more like a strategy to cause problems for Ryanair with strikes etc rather than look out for the wellbeing of the crew they are supposed to be negotiating for.