Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) has decided to scrap its plan to relocate six B737-800s and up to 300 staff members from Dublin International to Poland after pilots in the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) voted to accept a collective agreement with the low-cost carrier, RTE has reported.

The agreement was reached after a mediation and a number of strikes by the LCC's Irish pilots. IALPA members unanimously approved the new rules in a vote on September 5.

In July, Ryanair said it would reduce the number of aircraft based in Dublin from thirty to twenty-four. Most of the six relocated Boeing narrowbodies were due to boost the carrier's network out of Poland, including its nascent charter unit Ryanair Sun. Up to 300 pilots and cabin crew were told that they would have to relocate or would lose their jobs with the onset of Winter 2018/19 schedule when the changes were due to happen.

Despite these statements, Ryanair never announced an increased network out of Poland for Winter 2018/19. The unions said that the plans were meant to scare staff and prevent them from striking.

The Irish LCC continues to face significant pressure from labour unions in other European countries, mostly Mediterranean. The unionised employees called upon the shareholders to press for new, pro-workforce rules during the annual shareholders' meeting scheduled for September 21. The unions also warned that if such changes are not introduced, they would launch "the biggest strike in the history of Ryanair" by the end of the month.