Early next month, Portuguese staff at British low-cost carrier easyJet will reportedly go on a three-day strike to call for higher wages to compensate for the high cost of living. The union representing civil aviation flight personnel, SNPVAC, confirmed the strike on Friday.
The union said in a note that its members have been mandated to continue the negotiation process since March 9th. Workers were also reportedly informed about their right to strike as a last resort amidst pertinent struggles during negotiations.
A rough economic climate
As reported by The Portugal News, the union is planning for the strike to take place April 1-3.
"Taking into account the current moment of the negotiations, the impasse experienced and the intransigent and incomprehensible posture on the part of easyJet, a letter was sent to the company, to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, Ministry of Economy and Mar and DGERT, communicating a strike notice for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of April 2023."
The SNPVAC also discussed the financial struggles of easyJet workers, according to Reuters.
"Due to the economic climate, easyJet workers have lost purchasing power over the last three years," the union said in a statement. "The increase in the cost of living suffocates workers and jeopardizes the well-being and comfort of their families."
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Taking action
easyJet's bases in Portugal and their routes are some of the most profitable, according to the union. Additionally, the airline's employees in other markets and countries where profitability is not as high have reportedly had significant wage increases. According to Reuters, easyJet said the comparison is not practicable.
"It is not possible to compare terms and conditions across different jurisdictions," the airline said.
With the formal announcement of the upcoming strike, SNPVAC has not disclosed the size of wage raises it seeks for the carrier's Portuguese staff. But, the union did share that the strike will cover all easyJet-operated flights and other services that cabin crew is assigned to.
The union said it is aware of what the strike notice represents and also indicated that it hopes the low-cost airline is aware of the implications, according to The Portugal News.
The airline's response
easyJet, which expects its operation to be disrupted, hopes constructive negotiations will continue. The airline also noted the number of jobs created from its presence in Portugal.
"We are disappointed with this action, especially given the significant investment we have made in the country in recent years which has created hundreds of new jobs in Portugal and hope that SNPVAC will resume a constructive dialogue with us," the carrier said in a statement to Reuters.
Last month, inflation in Portugal decreased to 8.2% year-on-year from January's 8.4%. Core inflation accelerated, however, influenced by prices of unprocessed food products.
easyJet currently has 19 aircraft and more than 750 employees based in Portugal. Last summer, three Airbus A321neos were added to its base when the airline expanded its operation after the European Commission allocated 18 new daily slots in Lisbon.
Sources: The News Portugal, Reuters