Three unions representing cabin crew at the budget airline easyJet have officially filed a strike notice in France. The industrial action is scheduled to run from Friday, August 7th, until Wednesday, September 2nd, inclusive. This development follows the suspension of a previously planned strike that was set to begin on July 24th, which was postponed due to the impact of wildfires in the south-west of the country.
The unions involved in the filing are the SNPNC-FO, UNAC-CFE-CGC, and UNPNC-CFDT. According to a statement issued by the groups, the strike is the result of a long-standing dispute regarding working conditions. The unions claim that for nearly a year, they have alerted easyJet management to a deterioration in conditions, citing issues such as chronically unstable schedules, last-minute changes, mandated trips, and particularly gruelling rotations, alongside what they describe as a total lack of protective measures. The statement asserts that no concrete or binding response has been received from management thus far.
Despite the month-long span of the notice, the unions clarified that this does not constitute a continuous strike for the entire period. Instead, they plan to announce specific dates for mobilization 48 hours in advance, during which staff will be invited to walk out. The action is nationwide and has the potential to impact all easyJet flights operating to or from France.
In response to the announcement, the airline expressed disappointment. EasyJet stated that with negotiations already on the agenda for September, they are calling on the unions to withdraw the notice, characterizing it as counterproductive during a particularly important time of year for passengers. Travelers with bookings on the airline during the strike period are advised to check their flight status 48 hours before departure.
Anyone with a flight booked with easyJet during the strike period is advised to check with the airline 48 hours in advance, and keep an eye on The Local's strike section for strike dates.
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