EasyJet cancels 100 flights in France amid cabin crew strike

EasyJet has cancelled approximately 100 flights across France due to a strike by cabin crew on August 15 and 16. The industrial action, supported by three unions including SNPNC-FO, UNAC-CFE-CGC, and UNPNC-CFDT, has significantly impacted operations at major airports including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice, Bordeaux, and Lyon. Some disruptions also extended to routes between France and Portugal.

The strike is driven by crew demands for improved working conditions and roster stability. Union representatives, such as William Bourdon, stated that employees face extreme schedule unpredictability, with some crew members seeing their shifts changed up to 50 or 60 times per week, often with only 24 to 48 hours' notice. This instability has been cited as a major cause of stress and difficulty in managing personal lives and childcare.

EasyJet described the strike as “opportunistic,” noting it coincides with a busy national holiday weekend. The airline has offered passengers alternative options, including free transfers to other flights or refunds. While management has proposed changes to staff conditions, negotiations have reached a stalemate, with further talks scheduled for September. The unions have indicated that strikes could continue through early September.