The Ryanair pilots union IALPA has issued guidelines to members on what to expect during Thursday's planned 24-hour strike, including that they will not be receiving strike pay at this juncture in the dispute.
The document, headed "Private and Confidential for Ryanair pilots ONLY", warned that management may seek to break the unity of pilots by engaging in the "FUD" tactic of creating fear, uncertainty and doubt.
It cited possible threats of industrial action, or warnings that their demands were unsustainable, and could trigger cancellations of purchases of new planes.
On financial matters, it stated: "It may be advisable that you assess your financial obligations and seek financial advice due to the likelihood of industrial action continuing over a prolonged period."
IALPA advised pilots at all times to maintain the highest safety standards in their professional obligations to fellow crew and passengers.
It cautioned against permitting themselves to be engaged in conversation on the dispute while at work or on the flight deck, and not to say anything that could bring them to the attention of management.
IALPA advised pilots to keep their families informed, adding that meetings for spouses and partners would be arranged.
It issued a strong warning to pilots not to engage with media, either on or off the record, unless they have specific union permission.
The union reminded members that only directly-employed pilots who were balloted can strike or participate in a picket and it outlined the arrangements for the day of the stoppage.
They include picketing at the airport, with advice to dress smartly in black trousers, a white pilot shirt and black tie.
IALPA also said pilots should prepare for verbal abuse from passing cars, but advised them not to react or respond.
It comes as Ryanair has agreed to meet the pilots' union Fórsa at Terminal One of Dublin Airport on Wednesday morning in an attempt to stave off Thursday's planned strike, which threatens to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of passengers.
The airline had been insisting that any talks should take place at its headquarters in Airside in Swords, but the union had insisted on a neutral venue.
Thousands of passengers face the prospect of disruption to travel plans if the 24-hour stoppage proceeds, although Ryanair has pledged to face down the strikers, whom they accuse of engaging in blackmail.
The airline is understood to be working on a contingency plan, and is expected to notify passengers tomorrow of any potential disruption to their flights.
Almost 100 out of Ryanair's 350 Irish-based pilots have backed strike action in a dispute over seniority, and the procedures for allocation of base transfers, promotions and annual leave, but the airline stresses that this is just 27% of its pilot workforce here.
It is difficult at this point to forecast the scale of any potential disruption because IALPA, which is affiliated to Fórsa, only balloted the directly employed Ryanair pilots, as the remainder are contractors who are deemed to be self-employed.
Ryanair gave pilots until 9am this morning to respond to a circular offering them three options:
- To confirm that they are rostered to work on 12 July and will attend for duty as normal;
- To confirm that they are rostered for work on 12 July but will not attend for duty as they intend to strike - the airline notes that if pilots rostered for duty on 12 July do not reply it will be assumed that they will be striking.
- To confirm that while they are not rostered for 12 July, they wish to volunteer for duty to minimise customer disruption.
As yet it is unclear how many pilots have indicated that they will strike, or how many may volunteer to replace those taking industrial action.
Most contractors are expected to work normally on Thursday and Ryanair may also fly in pilots from other countries.
