EasyJet pilots in Spain, represented by the Division of the Spanish Airline Pilots Association Sepla, announced a three-phase strike beginning this Friday. The action comprises three 72 hour periods, scheduled to start on August 12, 13 and 14, followed by August 19, 20 and 21, and then August 27, 28 and 29. The decision comes after a standoff over working conditions that existed before the pandemic and talks about the second collective agreement reached little progress with the airline.
In a statement, the pilots described the strike as a last resort and extended apologies to travelers affected by the disruption. They emphasized that the move aims to pressure EasyJet to engage in constructive bargaining and to protect job security and proper working conditions for crews across Spain.
The unions pointed to a history of concessions during the toughest months of the pandemic, when wage reductions were accepted to preserve the business and protect employment. They argue that the airline later fulfilled its immediate aims, yet has since pushed for further reductions in work conditions.
EasyJet has responded by highlighting its expansion in Europe, including more aircraft and crews at bases in Barcelona and Palma, and a new base in Malaga. Negotiations on the airline second collective agreement were reportedly concluded in July, with EasyJet presenting a proposal the unions say would further shrink working conditions.
Spokespersons for Sepla stated that companies have a right to protect themselves financially, but not at the expense of workers. If recovery mirrors pre crisis levels, it is essential to restore earlier working conditions for a sense of justice and balance.
Regarding flight volume, representatives noted that current operations are similar to those in 2019, yet the airline remains resistant to improving crew conditions.
EasyJet runs bases throughout Europe, and each country uses its own employment contracts. Sepla asserts that Spanish pilots face comparatively worse terms than peers in other countries, a situation exacerbated by the airline’s latest proposal.
Minimum services exceed 57 percent
The Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda has set minimum service levels for the EasyJet Spanish strike. Rates are 57 percent for Palma de Mallorca flights, 60 percent for Malaga, and 61 percent for Barcelona and Menorca operations.
Per the airline’s published timetable, all flights scheduled during the strike are international. The minimum services are calculated by applying these protection percentages to company-operated public transport air services with departures from or arrivals at Malaga, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Menorca.
The presence of crew required to maintain essential operations, including technical repositioning and other services, is as deemed necessary. This includes flights planned before the strike and arrivals planned during the strike.
When lawfully called to strike, workers are counted as based at the relevant center regardless of where they sleep on strike days.
As for listing specific flights affected by the minimum services, EasyJet retains authority to determine which flights fall under the resolution percentages and to take appropriate actions for those services.