PARIS- easyJet (U2) cabin crew unions in France have filed a strike notice after negotiations with airline management failed to resolve concerns over working conditions. The move has increased the possibility of disruption to flights operating from major French airports, including Paris Orly Airport (ORY) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), during the busy summer travel season.
Although no strike dates have been confirmed, the notice gives employees the legal right to take industrial action later in July or during August. easyJet (U2) has expressed disappointment with the outcome while urging unions to continue discussions and avoid disruption for passengers.
easyJet Cabin Crew to Strike in France
French cabin crew unions submitted the strike notice after a meeting with easyJet management on July 23 ended without an agreement. According to reports from Le Figaro, the discussions failed to resolve several long-standing concerns raised by employee representatives.
Importantly, filing a strike notice does not automatically result in a strike. Under French labor regulations, unions must issue a formal notice before employees can legally stop work. This means flights will continue to operate as scheduled unless industrial action is officially announced.
The potential dispute comes during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, when airlines experience high passenger demand across Europe. Any future strike could affect flights to and from France if negotiations do not progress.
Unions Cite Working Conditions and Fatigue
Cabin crew representatives argue that working conditions have deteriorated over recent months. Their concerns include increasingly demanding schedules, frequent roster changes, staffing shortages, and growing fatigue among flight attendants.
According to union representatives, unpredictable scheduling has made it more difficult for employees to maintain work-life balance while meeting operational requirements. They also believe current staffing levels place additional pressure on cabin crew during busy travel periods.
The SNPNC-FO union has raised another issue involving proposed retirement policy changes affecting airline employees. The union argues that flight crew careers involve unique physical demands and age-related operational limitations that should be considered when retirement and pension rules are reviewed.
Representatives believe any reforms should recognize the distinctive nature of aviation professions and the challenges associated with long-term cabin crew service.
Previous Tensions Between easyJet and French Cabin Crew
The latest development follows earlier labor tensions between easyJet and French cabin crew unions.
In April, the UNAC union called for a one-day strike involving cabin crew based at all six of easyJet’s French operating bases:
- Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)
- Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
- Bordeaux Mérignac Airport (BOD)
At that time, unions highlighted many of the same concerns currently being discussed, including scheduling practices, working conditions, and increasing crew fatigue.
The recurrence of these issues suggests that several key points remain unresolved despite ongoing discussions between employee representatives and airline management.
easyJet Responds to Strike Notice
easyJet said it is disappointed that unions decided to file the strike notice following the latest round of negotiations.
The airline stated that it had already proposed several adjustments intended to address cabin crew concerns and improve working conditions.
It also encouraged union representatives to avoid industrial action during the peak summer travel season, when thousands of passengers rely on scheduled services every day.
According to the airline, additional negotiations are planned for September in an effort to reach a longer-term agreement.
easyJet also confirmed that passengers would be contacted directly if future industrial action results in flight disruptions or schedule changes.
What Passengers Should Know
At present, easyJet has not announced any flight cancellations related to the strike notice.
Passengers traveling on easyJet (U2) flights to or from France should continue checking their booking status through the airline’s official website and mobile app. Travelers are also advised to monitor email and SMS notifications for any operational updates.
Since no strike dates have been confirmed, flights are expected to operate normally unless unions formally announce industrial action in the coming weeks.
Travelers with flexible itineraries should remain informed as negotiations continue, particularly for flights scheduled during late July and August.
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