Portuguese easyJet Cabin Crew Strike Begins With 443 Flights Cancelled, Union Says

The five-day strike by easyJet's cabin crew in Portugal began on October 2, with the union SNPVAC reporting 443 flights cancelled from the Lisbon, Porto and Faro bases, about 80% of the schedule. EasyJet counters that it expects to operate about 55% of its scheduled flights, made up of minimum services covering roughly 22% of Portugal-based operations plus flights from other European bases. The dispute centres on flight schedule stability, pay progression tied to seniority and disputed terms of the company agreement. SNPVAC leader Ana Dias said crews arrived in Porto from France and would probably operate flights to replace the strikers "in an illegal manner", and the union considers the use of staff from other bases potentially unlawful and may take legal action. A second strike is scheduled for December 19 to 23. The walkout follows the unanimous strike vote reported on September 18.