Ryanair, a prominent low-cost airline, faced significant backlash after requesting that some of its Spanish cabin crew repay salary increases received between October 2024 and March 2025. The airline cited a court ruling that invalidated a collective bargaining agreement as the reason for this action.

The controversy began when Ryanair reached a pay agreement with the Spanish union CCOO in 2024, which applied to all flight attendants, regardless of union affiliation. However, another union, Union Sindical Obrera (USO), challenged the agreement’s validity, arguing that the negotiators were not authorized to represent all employees. In March 2025, Spain’s High Court ruled in favor of USO, nullifying the agreement.

Following the court’s decision, Ryanair informed USO-affiliated flight attendants that they were required to repay the salary increases received during the disputed period. The amounts demanded ranged from €1,500 to €3,857. The airline offered a 12-month repayment plan, with deductions starting from June 2025.

USO criticized Ryanair’s actions, accusing the airline of “union-based discrimination” and alleging that it pressured employees to join CCOO to avoid repayment. Ryanair defended its position, stating that it was complying with the court ruling and that the majority of its Spanish cabin crew were covered by a valid agreement with CCOO.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Ryanair and its workforce, particularly concerning labor relations and union representation. The situation underscores the complexities of collective bargaining and the potential consequences of legal disputes over labor agreements.

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