Portugal general strike to impact 500 flights and public transport next week – UK Times

Air passengers are set to be affected by a general strike in Portugal, which could see the disruption of around 500 flights.

A general strike has been planned by multiple trade unions on 3 June, including walkouts from cabin crew who are members of the SNPVAC union.

Ricardo Penarróias, president of the SNPVAC, told local Portuguese media that the strike could impact around 500 flights.

“Around 500 flights are expected to be cancelled,” Mr Penarróias said, as reported by business newspaper Jornal de Negócios.

Portuguese flag carrier airline Tap Air, easyJet and Ryanair flights are all expected to be impacted, the union added.

However, Ryanair told The Independent that it did not expect any disruption and would operate as normal.

Meanwhile, EasyJet said, “we can expect some disruption to our flying programme”.

“We will be doing all we can to minimise the impact of the strike action and will contact customers directly with their options if their flights are affected,” a spokesperson told The Independent. “While this is outside of our control we are sorry for any inconvenience this strike action may cause”.

Tap said that it is allowing all passengers holding a ticket issued 20 May for flights scheduled on 3 June to bring their flight forward to dates between 27 May and 2 June or to postpone it to dates between 4 and 11 June.

Tap said these changes may be made without additional charges through its website or through travel agents.

The general strike was called by Portugal’s largest umbrella union, CGTP, in protest of the government’s labour reforms.

The reforms would make it easier for companies to dismiss employees and would lift caps on outsourcing, according to unions.

Transport union FECTRANS has also joined the strike, meaning public transport will also be affected. Its members include workers from the Lisbon Metro, Porto Metro, commuter rail Fertagus and other systems.

A union representing pilots has decided not to join the strike.

Workers from other sectors, such as health and education, have also announced their participation in the upcoming strike.

Read more: Airport workers back strike action during World Cup and peak holiday season