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LONDON- BALPA (British Airline Pilots Association) has secured a historic legal victory against Ryanair (FR) in the UK Court of Appeal. The court ruled that Ryanair’s blacklisting practices against striking pilots were unlawful, marking a significant moment for workers’ rights.
This decision not only restores justice for affected Ryanair pilots but also sends a strong message to employers across industries about the importance of respecting workers’ legal rights to organize and strike.
Photo: RyanairBALPA Wins Case Against Ryanair
The case dates back to 2019 when BALPA organized a strike among Ryanair (FR) pilots. In retaliation, Ryanair revoked concessionary travel benefits for pilots who participated in the strike, effectively punishing them for engaging in lawful industrial action.
The benefits were withdrawn for 12 months, prompting BALPA to take legal action.
Supported by Farrer & Co, BALPA argued that Ryanair’s actions breached the UK Blacklisting Regulations, which protect workers from discrimination for union activities.
The legal team, including leading KCs Stuart Brittenden and Bruce Carr, presented a compelling case.
The Court of Appeal delivered a decisive judgment, confirming that Ryanair’s conduct constituted illegal blacklisting.
The court emphasized that such practices undermine the fundamental right of workers to strike and participate in union activities without fear of retaliation.
BALPA’s triumph underscores the critical role of trade unions in safeguarding workers’ rights and holding employers accountable.
While BALPA continues to prioritize constructive partnerships with employers, this case exemplifies their unwavering commitment to defending their members against unfair treatment.
This landmark victory sends a clear message: retaliatory measures against workers exercising their legal rights will not be tolerated, setting a new standard for industrial relations across sectors.
Photo: By MarcelX42 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=119387148BALPA Legal Outcome
This landmark ruling reinforces the principle that employees have the right to organize and participate in lawful strikes without facing punitive actions.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade intervened in the case, underscoring its significance for the wider trade union movement.
“There can be no real dispute that the natural meaning of the phrase ‘activities of an independent trade union’ includes organizing industrial action.”
Judge’s Statement
BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge hailed the decision as a major victory for workers and unions, adding:
“This is a huge win for BALPA and the trade union movement more generally. It will deter employers from adopting harmful strike-busting tactics and strengthens our resolve to stand by our members in protecting their rights.”
Amy Leversidge, BALPA General Secretary
Farrer & Co, representing BALPA, played a pivotal role in securing this victory. Alice Yandle, Partner at the firm, highlighted the case’s importance in industrial relations law:
“The judgment is emphatic in its acceptance of our arguments and confirms that blacklisting practices are prohibited. This sets a vital precedent for protecting workers’ rights.”
Alice Yandle, Farrer & Co
This ruling not only vindicates the affected pilots but also sets a legal benchmark for addressing similar cases in the future, ensuring employers are held accountable for discriminatory actions.
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