EasyJet Strike Tomorrow: Thousands Affected Amid Warning
Travel Disruptions Expected as Strikes Impact Flights to Italy
Passengers planning to travel to or from Italy tomorrow are being warned of potential disruptions due to strikes by staff at two major airlines, easyJet and Volotea. These strikes could affect more than 10,000 travelers, with dozens of flights possibly delayed or canceled.
The strikes are set to impact a significant number of flights, particularly those operated by easyJet, which has a major hub at Milan Malpensa Airport. This airline serves over 20 destinations in Italy, including popular cities like Rome, Naples, Milan, and Venice. Meanwhile, Volotea is also a key player in the Italian market, operating flights to 24 airports across the country.
Tomorrow, Volotea is scheduled to operate 43 flights to, from, or within Italy, any of which may be affected by the strike. The easyJet staff are expected to strike between 1pm and 5pm local time on Friday, while the Volotea strike will last for 24 hours, covering the entire day.
The union representing Volotea workers, Uiltrasporti, is striking in protest of the airline’s refusal to recognize the union after previous negotiation attempts failed. According to the union, despite efforts to foster dialogue and even revoking a previous strike, negotiations initiated on October 3 and 14 ultimately led to a failed agreement on October 22.
Ivalyo Danailov, an air passenger rights expert and CEO of SkyRefund, advises affected travelers to check with their airlines and stay informed about possible compensation. He emphasizes the importance of staying updated with airline recommendations, as this will provide the most accurate information for passengers.
"Delays and cancellations may occur unexpectedly throughout the day, so checking regularly is the best way to make sure you are able to respond quickly if your travel plans are disrupted by a delay or cancellation," he said.
Under European law, flight cancellations or extended delays caused by airline staff strikes are considered to be within the airline's control. This means that passengers affected by such disruptions are eligible for compensation from the airline.
"There may also be delays or cancellations after the strike, as a result of the disruption caused to regular operations," Danailov added. "Passengers affected by these may also be eligible for compensation."
He recommends that passengers affected by a delay or cancellation use a compensation calculator to determine if they are eligible for compensation and, if so, for how much.
EasyJet has stated that it does not expect disruption as a result of the strike action and has contingency plans in place to ensure its flying programme operates as normal.
For travelers planning to visit Italy, the upcoming strikes highlight the importance of staying informed and prepared for potential disruptions. Whether traveling for business or leisure, being proactive can help minimize the impact of unexpected changes to travel plans.
