Travellers can expect further disruption through July after additional strike dates were announced in Spain. Ryanair cabin crew voted in favour of walking out for 12 days from mid-to-late-July.
Two Spanish unions (USO and SICTPLA) are due to strike from 12 to 15 July, 18 to 21 July and 25 to 28 July, causing travel disruption for thousands of holidaymakers. The latest round of action continues a difficult summer period for the airline, which has included numerous strikes in June and 10 cancelled flights in Spain on Saturday.
Although operating at more than 20 airports in Spain, widespread disruption is not expected for this latest action. Ryanair’s Spanish bases at Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga are all likely to be among those affected.
Read more: Holidaymakers face more flight misery as strikes in Spain and France make it even harder to get away
The unions have threatened to join forces with other staff at the budget airline in Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal. At a time when UK schools are set to go on their summer holidays, British holidaymakers’ plans could be severely upset over the coming weeks.
On top of this, easyJet staff also announced industrial action for this month, with staff set to strike in Spain on July 15, 16, 17, 29, 30 and 31. British Airways staff at Heathrow Airport have also voted to strike, with dates set to be announced soon.
Why are Ryanair staff striking?
The airline industry has been involved in numerous disputes over recent months as regular flights were reintroduced following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions. The unions in question cited pay and working conditions as reasons for action needing to be taken.
A statement read: “The unions and crew of Ryanair demand a change of attitude from the airline.” They also urged the Spanish government “not to allow Ryanair to violate labour legislation and constitutional rights such as the right to work”.
Elsewhere, British Airways Employees who were impacted during Covid-19 had their pay docked by 10% during this prolonged downtime for airlines. Staff would now like it reinstated, with the offer of a one-off 10% bonus this year being rejected.
Should both parties reach an agreement, the action could be called off ahead of the strikes.
What to do if your flight is cancelled?
The advice from all airlines involved is for passengers to check their flights. If your Ryanair flight is among the ones affected, the budget airline previously said: "You can either apply for a refund or change your cancelled flight for free.”
To claim for a refund or flight change, confirmation of your cancelled journey will need to be provided. Further information and updates on flight cancellations can be found on the airline’s website, as well as how to get a refund or change your scheduled flight.
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