Disrupted schedules, deployments to Marrakech: easyJet crews crack under the strain
easyJet’s cabin crew in France are denouncing schedules changed at the last minute and mandatory assignments to foreign bases. Among the examples cited by the unions: Marrakech, where the airline set up operations in the spring.
French cabin crew members have been called to strike on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August. This time, the three representative organizations — SNPNC-FO, UNAC-CFE-CGC and UNPNC-CFDT — are jointly supporting the movement, following the failure of new discussions with management.
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At the heart of the dispute are the schedules. The unions are denouncing timetables changed at the last minute, making it difficult to organize personal life. Some employees may also suddenly be sent to another base to make up for staff shortages.
It is in this context that Marrakech has emerged in the dispute. Le Monde reports that, according to the unions, the opening of the Moroccan base in the spring relied heavily on French cabin crew members. These assignments abroad are among the practices now being challenged.
93% in favor of the strike
The tension appears to be significantly higher than during previous actions. SNPNC-FO, which represents more than half of the employees concerned according to Le Monde, says that 93% of its consulted members voted in favor of the strike. The union refers to a high level of fatigue and exasperation among crews.
The employees’ representatives are notably demanding greater stability in schedules. They point out that pilots at French bases have already obtained the possibility of refusing certain last-minute changes and are calling for comparable protections to be granted to cabin crew members.
The unions estimate that around 200 flights could fall within the scope of the action over the two days. They also denounce bonuses of up to 700 to 800 euros per day reportedly offered, according to UNAC, to employees agreeing to work during the strike. This union has launched legal proceedings against the practice.
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EasyJet disputes the way the conflict is being presented. The airline says it has proposed adjustments to address the demands and is calling for the action to be abandoned, describing it as “opportunistic.” Negotiations are scheduled for September. The airline has also assured that it would do everything possible to limit disruptions and would notably offer free transfers or refunds to affected travelers.
