It's a shame that most likely this can't be a coordinated total shutdown and no doubt FR will pull out all the stops to minimize disruption.

However provided the planned strikes actually go ahead and result in a significant and visible number of canceled flights this action will have a massive psychological impact for customers, media and the markets.

For the markets it will be a clear demonstration that FR have lost their iron grip on IR. That any significant number of crews are willing to actually walk out sends a very strong message.

The dispute has already caught the attention of various authorities around Europe, so any retaliation against striking crews will attract intense regulatory & media interest and possible legal actions. Sneaky tactics like failing SIM are not going to fly under such scrutiny.

Striking FR crews have commitments from worldwide unions to provide legal support and funding if required. This support WILL be forthcoming if needed because the outcome of this dispute maters to the whole industry.

FR will have a difficult time turning the public against striking crews for any disruption - due to the shambolic handling of the previous cancellations, the public will blame FR regardless.

TLDR;

Anyone who can should not be afraid to join the strikes because practical and legal support is in place that goes well beyond mere platitudes.

You have far, far more to loose by failing to follow this through.

For the RYR Italian pilots:

Why not pressing charges against Wilson?

It would be a very easy case for a Labor Judge to rule...

Not just the Italian bases but anywhere in Europe as a matter of fact. Employers can't threaten crew.

Ryanair Agrees To Recognise Unions
 

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/201...strial-action/

...and THAT'S kicking your ass!

Well done, folks!

Well done alright.
We’ve been watching from all around the world, congratulations on this important step.

Holy crap 'Ryanair has agreed to recognise trade unions to avert the strike action by pilots today'

From the BBC

Ryanair says it has invited pilots unions from several counties to talks that could recognise them.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said:

"Recognising unions will be a significant change for Ryanair, but we have delivered radical change before.

"Putting the needs of our customers first, and avoiding disruption to their Christmas flights, is the reason why we will now deal with our pilots through recognised national union structures and we hope and expect that these structures can and will be agreed with our pilots early in the New Year.”

Wow, is this for real?

Well done! #unity

Ideally they would recognize EERC for all the 80+ bases, but it is a first step.

Well, it just shows what you can do if you stick together. Wow!

There'll be a lot of euphoria on the various bulletin boards but it's worth remembering that most Leopards don't change their spots. Ryanair have proven themselves to be masters of spin and this may just be another of their twists and turns. It's critical that all the Ryanair pilots now stick together and force through changes for the better. Better for themselves and better for the rest of the airline industry.

The long road towards decent Ts&Cs within Ryanair begins now so stick together, keep going and good luck.

(I'm assuming this isn't some kind of false news :hmm:

Excellent news.

Now the really hard work begins. A union is only as strong as its members and you need reps and stewards with skin as thick as M.O's ego.

Good luck. :ok:

I believe a chain reaction has now begun, if they refuse to recognise all other bases, they will simply threaten to go on strike themselves.
I say bravo and keep the pressure up!

Bloody good work! Michael O'Lier down on his knees - what a wonderful position to see him in! A sincere congratulations to all the brave Ryanair pilots for standing your grounds! A giant leap forward!

Or it could be a cheap ploy to delay the strikes until after Christmas when they will do less damage. Only time will see.

Very well done folks!

But be cautious, you won a battle, but not the war. Most of you don’t have any bargaining experience, stay united and listen to the advice of long time experts like VC Ingolf Schumacher and others from the various countries! FR will try to screw you wherever possible.

Congrats anyhow!

Great work! Well played, guys. And no, we don't need O'Leary on his knees, just to recognise his employees as professionals who are doing a great job for him.

Here it is from the horse's mouth:

Ryanair Statement

This is probably the most important bit:
No union reps from other airlines allowed.

I think if they are trying to pull this, more pilots will be motivated to join future strikes because Ryanair publicly admitted that they are afraid of strikes.

Hmm... didn't expect that so fast....