Easyjet passengers could face delays and disruption to their plans this week, due to threatened strike action by pilots.
The UK-based budget airline company is asking its passengers to check that industrial action in France and Portugal has not affected their flights before they journey to the airport.
Strike threats by French pilots are in force for tomorrow, Wednesday August 15, and for this coming Friday and Sunday, August 17 and 19. The strikes, backed by the French pilot’s union, the SNPL, are the latest development in an ongoing dispute over pay. While the dispute only involves French pilots, some disruption to easyjet flights in and out of the country is also very likely. The action is also expected to cause more disruption than usual as the strikes are to occur over the period of a religious holiday in France.
A spokesman for the airline was quoted by the Daily Mail, saying, ‘The company regrets that some of its pilots have chosen to move ahead with an industrial action rather than coming back to the negotiations table, particularly in this busy period for holidaymakers. The management remains open to discussion and calls the SNPL union representatives to resume negotiations.’
Meanwhile, it is reported that staff at two of Portugal’s main airports, Oporto and Faro, are also planning industrial action on August 15 and 17, with the threat of further disruption to travellers there at this busy holiday time. Resorts in both of the countries affected by the planned strikes are among some of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
