EasyJet Braces for Major Disruptions as Spanish Cabin Crew Push for Better Pay and Conditions in a High-Stakes Three-Day Strike

Published on June 23, 2025

EasyJet cabin crew members in Spain are set to stage a three-day strike starting June 25, with workers demanding improved pay and working conditions.

EasyJet cabin crew members in Spain are set to stage a three-day strike starting June 25, with workers demanding improved pay and working conditions. The strike, organized by the USO union, comes at a time when the summer travel season is reaching its peak, and air travel is expected to surge.

The strike will involve a total of 657 flight attendants based at major airports in Spain, including Alicante, Barcelona, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca. These airports serve as key hubs for EasyJet’s operations. The union’s decision to take action follows growing dissatisfaction among workers regarding their current salaries and working conditions, including long hours and high workloads. As summer travel picks up, this strike is expected to affect flights, resulting in delays and possible rebooking for many passengers.

While EasyJet has reassured passengers that it intends to maintain its flight schedule throughout the strike period, the airline has acknowledged that some disruptions are inevitable. These could include delays, cancellations, and the need to rebook affected flights. Passengers are advised to stay updated with real-time flight information and check their flight status frequently for any changes. EasyJet has also encouraged travelers to consider alternative travel options in case of cancellations or delays.

In a response to the strike announcement, EasyJet defended its employment model, stating that the airline hires its cabin crew on “local terms and conditions” in each of the eight countries where it operates. This approach, according to the airline, helps ensure that crew members are paid in line with local labor standards and regulations. The airline also emphasized that it adheres to all relevant labor laws and works to ensure that its staff are compensated fairly for their services.

Despite these assurances, union leaders argue that the conditions for EasyJet’s Spanish cabin crew are inadequate. The USO union claims that Spanish crew members are paid less than their counterparts in other countries, despite facing similar demands and working conditions. Union representatives have raised concerns about long working hours, the pressure of managing large numbers of passengers, and the need for better overall working conditions. Workers have expressed frustration over these issues, which they say are putting a strain on their physical and mental well-being.

According to Spanish labor laws, airlines must maintain minimum service levels during strikes to avoid total disruption. This regulation ensures that essential flight services continue to operate during industrial action, minimizing the impact on travelers. EasyJet has confirmed that it will comply with these legal requirements, ensuring that certain flights will continue to operate during the strike, although some delays are still expected.

EasyJet has assured its passengers that it will take every possible measure to minimize the disruption caused by the strike. While the airline is committed to operating a full schedule, it recognizes that the timing of the strike, during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, could lead to delays and cancellations. Passengers are urged to check their flight details regularly for updates on their specific flights and to contact the airline directly if they need assistance with rebooking.

The strike action is part of a wider trend of labor disputes in the airline industry, with workers across Europe pushing for better pay and improved working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the aviation sector, led to significant changes in the industry, including staffing shortages and increased pressure on employees. As the airline industry recovers and travel demand rises, workers are demanding better compensation for the hard work and dedication they have shown throughout the recovery process.

The timing of this strike, which comes at the start of the summer travel season, is particularly critical. With air travel expected to reach its peak over the next few months, disruptions at major Spanish airports could have a significant impact on the airline’s operations. Passengers traveling from Alicante, Barcelona, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca should be prepared for possible delays and should monitor their flight status closely.

This industrial action may serve as a benchmark for future labor disputes in the airline industry, as unions and workers across Europe continue to push for better pay and working conditions. The strike’s outcome could influence negotiations with other airlines, as cabin crew and other airline staff assess the success of this action and consider whether to pursue similar actions in the future.

For now, EasyJet has emphasized that its primary goal is to ensure smooth and safe travel for passengers during what is anticipated to be one of the busiest summer seasons on record. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed, be patient, and remain flexible with their travel plans as the airline works to mitigate the impact of the strike.