EVIDENCE FROM a former pilot claiming constructive dismissal from Ryanair was yesterday described as “entirely incredible”, by the airline’s counsel.
Joe Peard has taken a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal, claiming the airline subjected him to a “systematic and ongoing campaign of harassment”. He had worked with Ryanair for more than four years before handing in his notice on June 29th, 2007.
Mr Peard claimed Ryanair denied him promotion, manipulated the roster to reduce his pay and deliberately underpaid him.
He linked these actions with his involvement in a number of victimisation cases being taken against the airline. He understood he would not be promoted unless his claims against the airline were dropped.
Mr Peard said he was given “Hobson’s choice” by Ryanair. He could stay at the airline and give up his legal rights to make claims and perhaps be blacklisted in future, or “unstall” his career by leaving. He left and now works in the Middle East.
On the fourth day of the hearing, which opened last June, Frank Beatty for Ryanair asked how many victimisation claims Mr Peard had been involved in.
Mr Peard said he was not sure but it could be about four. He said he could recall the content of one or two claims, but the content was not relevant. The important issue was his right to bring such claims.
Mr Beatty claimed the pilot was “not even slightly principled” about the claims he brought as he could not say how many he brought or why. Aspects of his evidence were “entirely incredible”, he said.
He asked why Mr Peard did not bring his concerns to Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary.
The tribunal heard that one of the victimisation claims involved allegations that Mr O’Leary was “shouting and effing and blinding” at a meeting with staff.
Mr Peard said he did not bring his case to him as he did not expect the chief executive to “put a warm arm around my shoulder” and reassure him. While Mr O’Leary may be “a colourful character”, Mr Beatty said, he would have been “completely approachable”.
“Really?” asked Mr Peard.
Mr Beatty replied “Yes.”
Mr Beatty said it would be Ryanair’s case that Mr Peard was “specifically militant”. He “took Ryanair on” and “played ducks and drakes” with the airline.
The hearing continues today.
