easyJet cabin crew across Portugal have begun a five-day strike, with the airline operating a reduced schedule limited to minimum services and flights operated by crews from other European bases.
The strike, which began today, 2 October, is expected to affect services from easyJet’s bases in Lisbon, Porto and Faro. The dispute centres on crew rostering, pay progression linked to length of service, and other working condition disputes.
Speaking to Portuguese news agency Lusa at around 7.15am, Ricardo Penarroias, president of the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC), said 443 flights scheduled to operate during the five-day strike had already been cancelled.
The first flights operating under legally mandated minimum services began departing in the morning. The union also said easyJet had operated a flight from Porto using staff brought in from another base to cover for striking workers.
SNPVAC considers the practice unlawful and said it would take the matter to the authorities and courts.
“We will use the legal means available to us, with a complaint to the Authority for Working Conditions and the courts,” Penarroias said.
easyJet, however, maintains that its operation during the strike is “in full compliance with the applicable legislation and regulations”.
The strike follows a breakdown in negotiations between the airline and the union over a number of employment issues.
Among the workers’ demands are greater stability in crew rosters, salary progression based on seniority, and improved terms under the company agreement currently being negotiated.
Penarroias argued that easyJet’s financial performance in Portugal should be reflected in the pay and conditions offered to its employees.
The union has warned that further flights could be affected as the strike continues.
easyJet said on Thursday that it expected to operate around 55% of its scheduled programme throughout the five-day stoppage.
According to the airline, around 22% of its normal Portugal-based operation corresponds to legally required minimum services. The remainder of the planned flights will be maintained using aircraft and crews from other European bases.
The dispute is therefore expected to have a significant impact on passengers travelling to and from Portugal over the coming days, particularly those booked on flights departing from Lisbon, Porto and Faro.
The strike is scheduled to continue for five days.
Source: LUSA
Photo credit: Portugal Resident
