Ryanair was forced to speak before a labour tribunal in Copenhagen last week to answer claims that its practice of hiring of Denmark-based pilots and cabin crew on Irish labour contracts is illegal. Danish unions and government officials have accused the airline of violating workers' rights since the practice allows it to avoid rules on wages, social benefits, and worker protections required by Danish laws.
Ryanair maintains that the arrangement, which it uses in other countries, is legal and that its Danish employees "enjoy high pay [and] job security." The tribunal is reviewing the case.
Ryanair has suffered a series of attacks related to this argument over contracts. On March 18, Ryanair's first departure from Copenhagen was delayed for three hours after protesters blocked the aircraft, while Danish pension funds and government investment agencies have sold Ryanair stock. The mayors of Copenhagen and several other cities have forbidden municipal employees to fly Ryanair on official business.