Dublin (AFP)

The airline Ryanair faced Thursday a strong challenge from its shareholders who were almost one in two to vote against the remuneration of leaders including that of the emblematic boss Michael O'Leary.

In a brief statement issued after the general meeting of shareholders, the low-cost Irish carrier announced that only 50.5% of the security holders voted in favor of Ryanair's senior executive compensation policy. .

This plan provides that the group's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, could buy five million Ryanair shares at a price of 11.12 euros within five years, provided that the share exceeds 21 euros in five years. to come and that the annual profitability of the group doubles to 2 billion euros.

If Mr. O'Leary succeeded in exercising this option, he would realize a capital gain of 99 million euros.

Ryanair's share was worth nearly 10 euros Thursday morning at the Dublin Stock Exchange, having lost its superb for a year because of a social conflict with its staff in several countries in 2018 and difficult market conditions in Europe. has a strong competition between companies "low cost".

Ryanair, for its part, explained that it wanted to start a dialogue with its shareholders on the subject.

"Ryanair is discussing with its shareholders and intends to continue to do so, and will inform them in the coming year of how the board will consider their advice and input on all of the topics discussed during the course of the year. the GA, according to a spokesman.

This wind of shareholders' revolt comes as the company has to deal with several social movements in Europe again.

In the United Kingdom, pilots have been on strike for several days by the end of the month to protest against their working conditions and salaries. This movement, however, had no effect on flights.

A strike day is also scheduled for 27 September by cabin crew in Portugal, as well as in Spain where pilots will join the movement against closures and job cuts.

Belgian trade unions also called on that day for a "European day of action" within the company.

At the end of July, Ryanair announced plans to cut 900 jobs out of its 13,000 employees. The group plans to close bases this winter and in the summer of 2020 due to postponements of delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX, whose fleet is grounded after two accidents.

© 2019 AFP