The Irish Times has reported that an estimated 2,000 RyanAir cabin staff could partake in industrial action this summer in a strike that is likely to be widespread around Europe.
Spanish staff represented by unions USO and SITCPLA have said they will partake in a series of 2-3 day strikes currently set for June 22nd – 26th and June 30th to July 2nd.
This was followed by Portuguese staff represented by aviation union.
SNPVAC saying they would strike on June 24th, 25th and 26th. While French staff say they will strike next Sunday and Monday.
The industrial action was prompted by a row over pay and working conditions.
Although these unions do not represent the majority of RyanAir staff, strike action could lead to significant flight disruption in an industry that is reeling from pandemic fuelled cutbacks.
Last week Deutsche Lufthnnsa AG announced it was axing its schedule as it lacks adequate staff to deal with demand. Bloomberg reported that Lufthansa is scrapping 900 flights in July. Similarly it says, AirFrance-KLM and British Airways are struggling to sustain operations.
International Airport Review reported that the European Transport Workers Federation (EFT) estimates that 191,000 European aviation workers lost their jobs due to the pandemic, but that because of the seasonal nature of aviation related work, the true figure is likely even higher.
“In a recent survey of aviation workers, we have estimated that 58.5 percent of airport-based workers are out of work, either on furlough or have lost their jobs entirely”
The EFT says that, “While airline profits are skyrocketing again, the aviation workers are mostly struggling for survival.”, saying, “ It looks more and more like full recovery for profit, but exploitation of workers.”
It says that the current situation did not arise “over night” and that it has been warning since the beginning of the pandemic that cuts would have “a huge impact on the industry”, adding that airlines “should not be surprised” that employees are reacting.
“Precarious work contracts, exposure to health and safety issues, long working hours, and shift work” , it said, were having a massive effect on the industry.