Travel agencies urge easyJet to reach deal and avert cabin crew strike
Portugal's travel agencies are pressing easyJet and the union representing its cabin crew to find an agreement before walkouts begin, warning that 80,000 passengers could be affected across 500 flights during the first strike period alone. The Sindicato Nacional do Pessoal de Voo da Aviação Civil (SNPVAC), representing cabin crew, approved industrial action for 2–6 October and 19–23 December 2026 after what it describes as the "continuing deterioration of working conditions."
Dispute over schedules and pay
Crew members voted unanimously for the strikes on 17 September, citing unstable rosters, alleged violations of collective agreements, and pressure to work overtime because of understaffing. The union says Portugal-based crew receive lower pay than easyJet colleagues elsewhere in Europe, and face discriminatory treatment compared with pilots. The airline says it is "extremely disappointed" with the strike plans, arguing that cabin crew in Portugal earn "well above the national average" and calling the union's demands difficult to implement.
Negotiations are under way, mediated by Portugal'sDireção-Geral do Emprego e das Relações de Trabalho (DGERT), the government body responsible for labour relations. As of 24 September, no agreement had been reached. easyJet has already begun preventive cancellations for some October flights to give passengers more time to rebook.
What changes for passengers
Under European regulation EC 261/2004, passengers on cancelled flights are entitled to a full refund or re-routing to their destination. If a flight is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice and the disruption is caused by airline staff striking, compensation of up to €600 may apply. For delays of two hours or more, airlines must provide meals, refreshments and, where necessary, hotel accommodation.
The Associação Nacional de Agências de Viagens (ANAV) wants easyJet to communicate with passengers as early as possible, especially those travelling within 14 days. "When a trip is close to departure, every hour counts," said Miguel Quintas, ANAV's president. "Agencies need information and concrete operational solutions to be able to act for their clients."
Christmas period adds urgency
The December strike falls during a peak travel window. The ANAV warns that finding alternative flights will be harder when demand is high and capacity limited. The association stresses that family holidays, personal commitments and the work of thousands of tourism professionals are at stake. It appeals to "the responsibility of all parties" to reach an agreement before walkouts begin, or to ensure a clear and coordinated operational response if strikes proceed.
Flights from Lisboa, Porto and Faro would be affected. Minimum service levels have yet to be defined for either strike period.
