EasyJet Portugal Cabin Crew Announce Strikes for October and December

EasyJet Portugal Cabin Crew Announce Strikes for October and December

EasyJet’s cabin crew in Portugal have voted to go on strike for five days in October and again for five days before Christmas. This action could impact around 500 flights scheduled to depart from Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports. The strikes are set to begin on October 2nd and will resume on December 19th, potentially disrupting travel plans for many passengers during busy periods.

The decision to strike comes after the SNPVAC union reported that repeated attempts to resolve issues with the company have been unsuccessful. Mediation is currently underway with Portugal’s labor authority, DGERT, which could still influence the outcome of these planned walkouts. The union states that the strikes are a result of ongoing disputes over rosters, pay, staffing levels, and alleged unequal treatment between cabin crew and pilots.

October Strike: Potential Impact on Flights

The first planned strike, running from October 2 to October 6, is expected to affect approximately 500 scheduled EasyJet flights. This number does not include flights that might be deemed essential services and required to operate by authorities. The exact number of these minimum-service flights has not yet been determined, meaning the total disruption could be higher. Passengers booked to travel during this period are advised to stay informed about potential changes to their flights.

December Strike: Holiday Travel Disruption Risk

The second strike is scheduled to take place from December 19 to December 23. This timing is particularly concerning as it falls directly within the busy Christmas travel season. Airlines typically operate at higher capacity during this time, and any disruption could lead to widespread issues for travelers heading home for the holidays or going on vacation. The potential for broader disruption is significant, affecting a larger number of passengers due to increased demand.

Reasons Behind the Strike Action

The SNPVAC union has highlighted several key issues leading to the strike vote. They claim that easyJet cabin crew have made numerous attempts to address labor and pay concerns, which they believe the company has largely ignored. The union points to frequent changes in work schedules, alleged breaches of the collective labor agreement, and pressure to work overtime due to staff shortages. Furthermore, they cite weak operational planning and what they describe as discriminatory treatment when compared to pilots. The union’s position is that working conditions have worsened, and the company has failed to resolve these underlying problems.

EasyJet’s Response to the Demands

EasyJet has responded to the strike announcement by calling the crew’s demands “unworkable.” The airline expressed disappointment in the decision to strike and stated that its Portuguese cabin crew members earn significantly more than the national average wage. The company has indicated it will work to minimize any disruption should the walkouts proceed and has not agreed with the union’s assessment of the working conditions.

Ongoing Mediation Efforts

Mediation between the union and easyJet is continuing through DGERT. These talks are taking place before the first strike date, offering a window for potential negotiation and resolution of the dispute. The disagreement covers both compensation and daily working practices. While the airline emphasizes its pay rates, the union is focused on improving working conditions and addressing the complaints they say management has received.

Union’s Stance on Deteriorating Conditions

The SNPVAC union has stated that the working environment has continued to decline despite previous warnings to the airline. They describe the dispute as the outcome of repeated efforts that have not led to a settlement. Roster instability is a central complaint, as unpredictable duty schedules can impact crew availability, and staff shortages can increase pressure to maintain operations. The union’s claims also include alleged violations of the collective labor agreement and less favorable treatment compared to pilots. This means the strike action is driven by a combination of concerns about pay, working conditions, staffing, and operational fairness.

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