The impact of strikes by Ryanair cabin crew in Portugal

6.4.2018

Question for written answer E-002021-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
José Inácio Faria (PPE)

The right to strike is set to have an impact on regular services provided by workers demanding better working conditions.

Ryanair’s Portuguese cabin crew went on strike over the Easter period to demand compliance with rules provided for by national legislation, such as the right to parental leave, a guaranteed minimum salary and the withdrawal of disciplinary proceedings for employees who take sick leave or fail to meet company targets with on-board sales.

90% of cabin crew employees went on strike, but it took place over three non-consecutive days. Nevertheless, to circumvent the impact of the strike, the airline resorted to subterfuge, changing flights around and bringing in cabin crew from other countries, threatening dismissal if they did not comply.

We want European citizens to benefit from low-cost flights, but cannot overlook workers’ dignity or encourage job insecurity to make it happen.

Does the European Commission know if this trampling of workers’ rights is common to airlines across Europe?

What does the European Commission intend to do about the threat of strikes at European level by the cabin crew of low-cost airlines?