BALPA Wins Landmark Case Against Ryanair Over Strike Blacklisting

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has secured a major victory against Ryanair in the Court of Appeal, with judges ruling that the airline’s practice of blacklisting striking pilots was unlawful.

The case stemmed from a 2019 industrial dispute when Ryanair removed travel benefits from pilots who participated in legal strike action. The airline maintained this punitive measure for 12 months, effectively creating a blacklist of striking workers.

BALPA, represented by law firm Farrer & Co and supported by five King’s Counsel including Stuart Brittenden KC and Bruce Carr KC, successfully argued that this practice violated UK blacklisting regulations. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade intervened in the case, underlining its significance for workers’ rights.

The Court was unequivocal in its judgment, stating: “There can be no real dispute that the natural meaning of the phrase ‘activities of an independent trade union’ includes organising industrial action.”

BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge highlighted the broader implications: “This is a huge win for BALPA and the trade union movement more generally. The Court’s decision will put a stop to employers making lists of striking employers in order to punish them.”

The ruling sets a significant precedent for industrial relations across all sectors. Alice Yandle, Partner at Farrer & Co, noted the judgment was “emphatic in its acceptance of all the arguments we advanced” and confirmed that employers cannot compile lists of striking union members for discriminatory purposes.

While BALPA emphasizes its preference for partnership with employers, Leversidge affirmed the union’s commitment to protecting members’ rights: “We will never fail to stand with our members to protect their rights in situations such as this.”

The landmark victory reinforces workers’ fundamental right to strike without fear of retaliation, potentially influencing future industrial relations both in aviation and beyond.

A writer who loves all things British.

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