Portugal’s Long Weekend Just Lost Up to 500 easyJet Flights

Cabin crew based at easyJet’s three Portuguese bases, Lisbon, Porto and Faro, walk out on Friday, October 2, and stay out through Tuesday, October 6. The union behind the action, SNPVAC, estimates that around 500 scheduled flights could be affected over the five days, and easyJet has confirmed the dates. The timing is pointed: the strike covers Portugal’s Republic Day long weekend, with the holiday itself on Monday, October 5, one of the busier travel periods of the autumn.

The walkout was approved unanimously at a meeting of 188 easyJet crew. SNPVAC cites frequent changes to duty rosters, an alleged breach of the collective labor agreement, unequal treatment of cabin crew compared with pilots, operational planning problems and pressure to work overtime because of staff shortages. Crew also say their pay trails other airlines in Portugal. easyJet has said it is extremely disappointed by the strike plan, and the two sides are in conciliation overseen by Portugal’s labor authority, DGERT.

Not every flight will be cancelled. A Portuguese government order sets minimum services that must keep operating, with particular attention to connections with Madeira, and easyJet has already cancelled some flights in advance so passengers can rearrange plans. According to Euro Weekly News, around 35 return flights to and from the UK had been affected as of earlier this week, out of a network linking Portugal with Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow and other airports.

Anyone booked with easyJet to, from or within Portugal between October 2 and 6 should check their booking now and again the day before travel, since the final cancellation list may still change. Passengers whose flights are cancelled can choose a refund or an alternative flight, and under UK and EU rules the airline must provide meals and, where necessary, hotel accommodation while you wait. The same union has also scheduled a second strike for December 19 to 23.

Sources: Euro Weekly News, AirHelp