EasyJet staff in Portugal are scheduled to strike for five days from December 19 to 23, potentially disrupting holiday travel for Britons heading to Portugal and Spain in the lead-up to Christmas.
The industrial action is planned to take place at airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) announced the strikes earlier this year, citing unresolved issues related to last-minute schedule changes, pay progression, and adherence to company agreements.
This planned action follows a previous strike by the same union between October 2 and 6, which was anticipated to affect approximately 500 flights. EasyJet operates routes between the UK and Portugal from multiple airports, including London Gatwick, Luton, Southend, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, and Manchester, making passengers on these routes vulnerable to potential disruptions.
The exact number of flights that may be impacted by the December strikes has not yet been released.
Further industrial unrest could also affect travel across the Iberian Peninsula. A potential general strike in Portugal on November 11 is being discussed, which could coincide with planned industrial action in Spain. This potential event has been referred to as an 'Iberian general strike,' involving Portuguese unions and Spain's two main trade union confederations, the General Workers' Union (UGT) and Comisiones Obreras (CCOO).
Unai Sordo, CCOO secretary-general, indicated that Portuguese unions would decide whether to join a coordinated mobilization across the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, such a strike could occur shortly before elections called by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Both countries have seen protests related to the cost of living and housing affordability.
Meanwhile, Italy is also anticipating travel disruptions due to a 24-hour national strike on October 30, which is expected to affect trains and planes. Ground handling staff at Pisa and Florence airports may participate, while railway staff could strike from October 29 to October 30.
An EasyJet spokesperson previously expressed disappointment with the planned strikes, stating, 'We are extremely disappointed that SNPVAC is planning strike actions despite our willingness to continue a constructive dialogue.' The airline noted that it had entered a conciliation process with the mediation of DGERT to reach an agreement. The spokesperson added that the union's current demands are 'unworkable,' particularly given that EasyJet crew are already paid significantly above the Portuguese national average. The airline stated it was taking measures to minimize customer impact, including advance cancellations to allow passengers to rearrange travel plans. The Daily Mail has sought comment from EasyJet regarding the latest strike announcements.
