Ryanair withdraws from Bordeaux: court orders subsidiary to begin mass redundancies

The airline Ryanair has decided to close its Bordeaux base, provoking controversy. The closure involves the withdrawal of three aircraft and the discontinuation of 40 services. The decision, strongly criticized by the union SNPNC-FOwhich accuses it of leaving the region after receiving substantial financial support, forces its subsidiary Malta Air Limited to undertake a mass redundancy. As a result, fourteen employees refused their transfer, leading to growing tensions between management and employees affected by the decision.

Background to the decision

The news came like a bombshell in the French aviation industry: Ryanair, the famous low-cost airline, has decided to leave Bordeaux. After years of significant commercial success, the Irish airline has decided to withdraw its Bordeaux-based aircraft, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of many Bordelais. This decision is not without consequences, and is accompanied by a binding legal ruling.

The reasons behind the departure

According to several sources, Ryanair announced the closure, justifying the decision with a strategy of internal reorganization. The company has often been accused of "siphoning off" local financial aid and leaving the region after "gorging" itself on subsidies, an accusation vigorously echoed by staff unions. The decision to close the Bordeaux base also considerably reduces the number of flights available to travellers in the region.

Union reaction

The unions were quick to react to this decision. According to Damien Mourgues, steward and union delegate, fourteen employees refused their transfer. The SNPNC-FO union strongly criticized Ryanair for its abrupt departure, denouncing the company's opportunistic attitude. This decision not only has significant economic ramifications, but is also creating shockwaves among the employees concerned.

A binding court decision

The French courts have not remained passive in the face of this situation. It has ordered Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air to initiate collective redundancy proceedings in accordance with local law. This judicial requirement is designed to protect the rights of employees left jobless by the company's departure. The procedure must be carried out with particular care, as the judges' focus is on workers' rights.

Economic consequences for the region

Ryanair's departure means the loss of many air links for Bordeaux airport, reducing the region's attractiveness to international travellers. While other European airports are benefiting from Ryanair's expansion, Bordeaux finds itself in a regressive situation. Fortunately, Transavia has announced the opening of an air base that could, in part, fill the void left by Ryanair.

Comparing the consequences for Ryanair and its employees

Aspect	Impact
Closing the base	Three aircraft withdrawn
Collective redundancy	Procedure required by the courts
Jobs	Fourteen employees refuse transfer
Financial impact	Resumption of financial aid
Local impact	40 assigned services
Trade unions	Severe criticism of SNPNC-FO
Alternative solutions	Discussions with other committed drivers
Future for Bordeaux	Transavia rolls out seven new routes

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