DUBLIN: Ryanair on Tuesday hailed a "positive and successful" meeting with pilots' representatives, following unprecedented talks as the Irish no-frills airline takes the first steps towards union recognition. "Ryanair this evening had a positive and successful meeting with its Irish pilots union council and their union representatives," a company spokesman told AFP. The talks on home soil were the first since Ryanair on Friday offered to recognise unions, prompting the suspension of strike action planned over the festive period. Described by Ryanair as "the first step in the union recognition process", the Dublin talks received a cautious response from unions Impact and the Irish Air Line Pilots' Association (IALPA). The decision marks a historic turning point for Ryanair, given that O'Leary -- in charge since 1994 -- had vehemently opposed any union representation for staff.

Source: New Strait Times December 20, 2017 00:00 UTC