Three of the UK's largest budget airlines have been left in the jetstreams as trade unions representing British Airways, EasyJet and RyanAir vote to strike. This comes after many customers have already faced cancellations due to staffing shortages and operational problems.
Trade unions representing cabin crew across the UK, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium and Italy are all to picket some major airlines on days covering the 24th June to the 2nd July. The strike will be in two to three day blocks to allow some travel to still go ahead, like the Network Rail strikes seen in recent days.
The unions are all demanding an improvement to working conditions and an increase to their pay. Some of the staffing shortages can be traced to companies, like EasyJet, sacking 30% of their staff during Coronavirus lockdowns.
Whilst some criticise workers for demanding a real terms pay increase in line with inflation, it is important to note airline bosses have raked in millions during the pandemic despite very few people being able to travel in between lockdowns.
Travellers are entitled to the price of the ticket reimbursed if a flight is cancelled, plus possible compensation if done so in a short period of time.