LISBON (Euronews) - A strike by easyJet cabin crew in Portugal began Friday and is set to continue until Tuesday, with 443 flights from the airline’s bases in the capital Lisbon, Porto, and Faro already canceled, according to the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel.
Union leader Ana Dias said the canceled flights represent around 80% of scheduled services during the five-day strike, while warning that other flights could also face disruptions.
“Crews arrived in Porto from France, and will probably operate flights to replace the strikers, once again in an illegal manner,” Dias said Thursday, according to the union.
An easyJet official told the Lusa news agency that the airline expects to operate around 55% of its scheduled flights during the strike.
The company said minimum services account for around 22% of its Portugal-based operations, while additional flights to and from Portugal will be operated by aircraft and crews from other European bases.
EasyJet said the operation is being conducted “in full compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.”
The union disputes the use of crews from other bases to replace striking workers, calling the practice illegal and saying it may take the matter to court.
The strike follows disputes over flight schedule stability, pay progression based on length of service, and terms proposed during negotiations for a company agreement.
Another easyJet cabin crew strike is scheduled for Dec. 19-23, potentially affecting travel during the busy Christmas period.