Ryanair Cancels 150 Flights on Friday due to Strike Across Europe

AFP - Ryanair will cut 150 flights because of strike action across Europe on Friday, as Brussels urged it to respect workers' rights enshrined in EU law.

The Dublin-based carrier said that it would cancel six percent of flights amid the walk-outs in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. It had previously estimated 190 would be affected.

Germany's pilots' union said it would support the strike action, while the country's cabin crew union said it would announce on Thursday evening whether German Ryanair crew would join Friday's walkout.

Trade unions have claimed that Friday's 24-hour stoppage will be the biggest strike in the Irish carrier's history.

Ryanair said in a statement that the vast majority of its 2,400 flights on Friday "will be unaffected by these unnecessary strikes and will operate as scheduled".

All affected customers received email and text message notifications on Tuesday to advise them of cancellations and options, Ryanair said.

"We sincerely apologise to those customers affected by these unnecessary strikes on Friday which we have done our utmost to avoid," it said.

Ryanair staff have been seeking higher wages and an end to the practice whereby many have been working as independent contractors without the benefits of staff employees.

Another key complaint of workers based in countries other than Ireland is the fact that Ryanair has been employing them under Irish legislation.

Staff claim this creates huge insecurity for them, blocking their access to state benefits in their country.

EU Social Affairs Commissioner Marianne Thyssen said on Wednesday air crews should be employed under contracts from the country where they work.

"Respecting EU law is not something over...