Spain’s EasyJet cabin crew unions called for nine days of strikes in July, threatening to disrupt airline passengers in the summer.
The news of the planned departure from the Spanish union USO came a day after easyJet announced it would cut approximately 11,000 flights from its summer schedules, in part in response to restrictions announced at its London Gatwick bases and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
The union is seeking a 40% increase in the basic salary of low-paid cabin crew. The strikes, three 72-hour stops every two weeks from July 1, would mean hundreds of crews shut down at easyJet bases in Barcelona, Malaga and Palma.
An easyJet spokesman said: “We are extremely disappointed with this action, as we have made significant progress towards a new collective agreement and would therefore like to continue a constructive dialogue with them.
“If industrial action continues, there may be some interruption in our program of flights to and from Malaga, Palma and Barcelona during the strike period, but at this stage easyJet plans to work its full schedule and we would like to assure customers that they will do your best to minimize any interference. “
The union said it remained open to negotiations. USO members working as Ryanair crew also voted in favor of the strike and are planning two three-day stops in the coming weeks.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said passengers should expect more disruption to continue during the peak season due to a shortage of airport staff in air traffic control, baggage handling and security.
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He told Sky News: “This problem will continue, especially at airports like Gatwick and Heathrow throughout the summer. It will be worse on the weekends and better during the week. ”
EasyJet said today that it is starting to announce to customers whose flights are affected by the reduction of its schedules and that most will be recharged with an alternate take-off within 24 hours. He expects to inform most customers of any changes this week, a spokesman said, with most of the changes in the UK affecting those booked at Gatwick.
Meanwhile, the airline said it was considering options to buy 56 A320neo aircraft from Airbus to modernize the fleet. The planes, which will arrive between 2026 and 2028, will have more seats and use less fuel, and the airline has paid an undisclosed price, which is said to be “significantly lower” than the official value of 6, $ 5 billion (£ 5.3 billion).
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