Latest: Almost 30% of Ryanair shareholders vote against chairman’s re-election
Almost 30% of Ryanair’s shareholders have voted against the chairman’s re-election.
The budget airline held its annual general meeting near Dublin on Thursday after a year in which it has been buffeted by pilot strikes which have grounded hundreds of flights.
Chairman David Bonderman’s re-election was secured by 70.5%.
Chief executive Michael O’Leary was returned by 98.5%.
Last month Ryanair and Irish pilots’ union Forsa reached an agreement, the trade union said, and the threat of job losses was averted.
It was the first collective agreement the airline has reached in the Republic and represented the reversal of a 32-year policy.
It agreed to recognise unions last year.
The dispute between the airline and some of its Irish pilots involved annual leave, base transfers and promotions.
It caused five days of strike action by about 100 of Ryanair’s 350 Irish-based pilots.
Ryanair cabin crew in Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy and Belgium are expected to strike on September 28.
The firm’s ultra-efficient low-cost model has seen it become one of the biggest and most profitable airlines in the world.
The mismanagement of pilot rosters last year led to the cancellation of thousands of flights.
The resulting fall out culminated in union recognition and the recent industrial relations strife, which the airline says has affected relatively few flights.
Earlier: New members welcomed to Ryanair board at AGM
Ryanair shareholders approved all resolutions at the company's 2018 AGM by large majorities.
Former board members Charlie McCreevy and Declan McKeon chose not to seek re-election at the AGM.
Chairman David Bonderman thanked both Charlie and Declan for their substantial contribution over the last eight years and welcomed both Emer Daly and Róisín Brennan as new members of the board.
Earlier: Ryanair AGM takes place in Meath
Ryanair's Annual General Meeting takes place in Co Meath this morning.
Michael O'Leary is expected to remain at the helm of the company despite calls from some pilot unions and shareholders to oust him.
A rebellion against the board is expected, with shareholders due to vote on re-electing directors.
It comes as the airline faces one of the biggest strikes in its history next week as unions representing cabin crews in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain are staging a 24 walk-out on Friday week over contracts.
The media is banned from attending today's event.
