Here's the real story so far......
Five Ryanair FOs were promoted over the last two months. These promotions were accepted on the agreement that they would have to move base to either STN or CRL. They were promoted by Jim Duggan and have operated in the left seat since.
On April 12th contracts were issued to the five, two moving to STN and three moving to CRL. The contracts contained a few issues which needed clarification before they could be signed (the base changes have never been disputed):
an IEP8000 pay cut for those going to CRL
a clause that further base transfers would be "in accordance with the prevailing salary and flight pay system in operation at that base"
a local flight pay system for CRL was mentioned but details were not given
The contracts were returned last weekend unsigned but with a covering letter accepting the change of base but requesting further information on the above points.
On Monday April 23rd letters were given to the five from John Osborne but signed by Declan Dooney stating that if the contracts were not signed by close of business on that day that demotion to FO would follow. Replies were sent requesting clarification on the above points before signing.
Another letter was issued to the five yesterday (April 24th)giving them another chance to sign by close of business yesterday. No further information was given by the company on the issues so the contracts were not signed.
As of midnight last night the five are demoted to FO, there salaries have been cut and Ryanair are looking for direct entry Captains to replace them.
As I type this they are in the sim in Dublin being requalified in the right seat.
This is the most serious development in Ryanair for years and affects every FO both present and future.
Just consider the following:
no change of base was ever disputed
an illegal pay cut was being forced on them
the company demanded an imcomplete contract to be signed
no details of the CRL flight pay system have ever been given
and, perhaps most serious, no contact was made by Jim Duggan. Why do we have a Chief Pilot?
Lets give the five our support in this most serious development.
Thank You.