British travelers face potential disruption to their holiday plans as a wave of strikes targets flights to and from Portugal and Spain. EasyJet staff in Portugal are scheduled to stage five days of industrial action from December 19 to 23, impacting operations in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro.
The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) announced the strikes, citing disputes over last-minute schedule changes, pay progression, and compliance with company agreements. This follows a similar round of strikes in early October that was expected to affect approximately 500 flights. EasyJet operates numerous routes between the UK and Portugal, including from London Gatwick, Luton, Southend, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, and Manchester, potentially impacting many holidaymakers.
Further industrial action could compound travel issues, with a potential general strike in Portugal on November 11 coinciding with planned action in Spain. This potential widespread action has been referred to as an 'Iberian general strike,' involving Portuguese unions and Spain's General Workers' Union (UGT) and Comisiones Obreras (CCOO). The timing in Spain is particularly sensitive, occurring just 18 days before elections called by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Protests related to the cost of living and housing affordability have been ongoing in both countries. Meanwhile, Italy is also anticipating significant travel disruptions, with a 24-hour national strike on October 30 expected to affect trains and planes, including ground handling staff at Pisa and Florence airports. Railway staff in Italy were also slated for a strike from October 29 to 30.
During the previous easyJet strikes in October, an airline spokesperson expressed disappointment with the planned action despite ongoing dialogue and mediation efforts. The company stated that union demands were unworkable, particularly given that crew pay was already significantly above the Portuguese national average. EasyJet indicated it was taking steps to minimize customer impact, including pre-emptively canceling some flights to allow passengers to rebook.