easyJet cabin crew strike threatens hundreds of UK-Portugal flights

EasyJet cabin crew based in Portugal have announced strike action, threatening hundreds of flights between the UK and Portugal. The industrial action is scheduled for two periods: October 2 to October 6 and December 19 to December 23.

The Portuguese cabin crew union, SNPVAC, estimates that approximately 500 flights could be cancelled during the October strike period alone, potentially affecting up to 80,000 passengers. Operations at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports are expected to be impacted. The dispute centers on pay, working conditions, roster stability, and perceived discriminatory treatment compared to pilots.

The National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAV) has appealed to both easyJet and the union to reach an agreement to avoid the disruption, noting the sensitivity of the dates which include the busy Christmas period. easyJet expressed disappointment, stating that union demands are “unworkable” and that they had recently begun a conciliation process through mediation to reach a sustainable agreement.