EasyJet could face travel disruptions at French airports this weekend after cabin crew announced strike action for August 15 and 16. The strike follows dissatisfaction with rota arrangements and working conditions.
Strike Notice and Affected Airports
A strike notice was issued for Friday, August 7 to Wednesday, September 2, meaning staff can walk out at any time during the period, with 48 hours' notice required. The specific strike dates have been announced for this weekend, August 15 and 16.
Airports which could face disruptions include Lyon, Nice, Paris Orly, Bordeaux and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
EasyJet's Response
An easyJet spokesperson told The Express: "We are extremely disappointed that unions representing our France-based cabin crew have announced plans for industrial action on 15 and 16 August, outside any formal negotiation process and despite our offer of adjustments to tackle their concerns."
The spokesperson said planned negotiations are taking place in September and called on the unions to call off the action. "We are sorry for the impact the unnecessary action will have on our customers. We are doing all we can to minimise disruption," the spokesperson said.
Impact on Passengers
Customers whose flights are cancelled will be informed directly, the spokesperson said. They will be offered options including a free transfer or a refund. Customers travelling to or from France on Saturday and Sunday have been advised to check the status of their flight.
The group of unions have blamed easyJet. "Any flight cancellations or disruptions resulting from these days of action will be solely attributable to easyJet, which has chosen not to give a serious response to the repeated warnings from trade unions over the past months," a statement from the group of unions said.
"For nearly a year, the unions have been warning easyJet management about the continuous deterioration of cabin crew working conditions: chronic schedule instability, last-minute changes, imposed trip patterns, particularly burdensome rotations, and a total lack of protective measures."
