EasyJet passengers may have had their travel plans disrupted yesterday (February 24). This caused significant delays and lasted four hours.
Organised by ANPAC (Associazione Nazionale Professionale Aviazione Civile) and RSA, and joined by several other unions, it took place at peak travel hours as several pilot unions in Italy walked out, causing cancellations and delays on flights to and from the UK.
So what should you do if you were impacted? Here is everything you need to know.
Why were there strikes?
Airline workers are demanding wage increases, citing inadequate responses to their requests for contract renewals.
I was affected by the strikes, what should I do?
International aviation lawyer Anton Radchenko, head of AirAdvisor, explained that pilot strikes can be particularly costly for airlines, reports Daily Record. He said: “Unlike bad weather, which is usually perceived by the courts as extraordinary circumstances, airline staff strikes are viewed as within an airline’s control.
“This is because disagreements between airlines and unions can often be settled by improving staff pay or conditions.
“This could just be the start of a turbulent year for airline strikes, with aviation staff and their unions across Europe pushing for better working conditions and improved perks, like pensions. Airline staff strikes tend to become more prevalent in the summer months, when industrial action by employees can have a greater impact on their employers’ operations.
“In August last year, easyJet was forced to cancel around 200 flights to and from Portugal due to a three-day strike by cabin crew.
Anton said: “If you are due to fly with easyJet or Aeroitalia next week and your flight is cancelled with less than two weeks notice, you may be eligible for between £120 and £520 in compensation.”
You can look into applying for compensation here.
Are there any more planned strikes?
Currently there are further airline strikes are planned in Italy later this week, with staff at Sicily’s Palermo airport and baggage handlers at Venice Marco Polo airport. They are set to state walkouts on this Friday on February 28.