Easyjet passengers warned to expect ‘check-in chaos’ as a 17-day strike is announced
EASYJET passengers could face "check-in chaos" this summer after a new 17-day strike was announced.
The strike, over a long-running pay dispute, is set to start from Thursday July 25.
that the strike will involve 43 passenger service agents working at easyJet check-in desks at London Stansted.
The agents, who are employed by Stobart Aviation Services, voted unanimously for a strike after a ballot earlier this month.
The strike dates are July 25 to 29; August 2 to 5; August 9 to 12; August 16 to 19; and August 23 to 27.
Unite regional officer Mark Barter said: “There is no getting away from it; these 17 days of strike action will cause severe disruption to thousands of easyJet passengers using Stansted for their summer holidays.
“A major bone of contention is that workers employed by other companies at Stansted are being paid up to 20 per cent more for doing the same job.
FLIGHT FIGHT How to claim compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled
“But our Stobart members experience staffing issues, a lack of basics such as drinking water during their long shifts and many other smaller but none the less important issues that are ignored due to not having proper trade union recognition.
“It is no wonder there is a massive turnover of staff at Stobart Aviation Services, as they feel undervalued and are paid dismally."
He added: "Any strike would also hit easyJet’s profit margins in a competitive marketplace with passengers now seeking alternative travel arrangements to avoid potential travel chaos at Stansted."
A spokesperson for easyJet told Sun Online Travel: "We are aware dates have been published for proposed industrial action by Stobart Aviation check in staff at London Stansted Airport.
"Should this go ahead we will have contingency plans in place so that there would be no impact on our passengers.
"Despite this we would urge Stobart Aviation and Unite to reach a suitable resolution as soon as possible."
A Stobart Group spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: "Stobart Aviation Services has, and will continue to engage with Unite and its representatives to reach an agreement on union recognition for our Front of House teams at London Stansted.
"We believe that our active engagement to date has resulted in good progress. We are therefore disappointed to have now received notice of potential action.
"However, we will continue to engage directly with Unite in order to deliver an agreement. We have contingency plans in place to manage the impact on passengers."
Will I get my money back if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
If your flight is cancelled, you have the legal right to either a full refund within seven days or a replacement flight to your destination.
This applies for whatever reason your flight was cancelled or how long before you were told it would no longer be be flying.
If your flight is delayed by three hours or more and you were flying to or from a European airport, or with an EU-based airline such as Ryanair or British Airways, then you can claim compensation up to €250 (£229) for short-haul flights and €400 (£367) for mid-haul flights and €600 (£530) for long-haul flights.
But the airline might not payout if it's out of their control, for example, due to bad weather or strikes.
Last month, easyJet and Alitalia were forced to cancel flights following strike action across Italy.
Earlier this month, Luton Airport staff also went on strike with security staff walking out for 49 days.
And if you're travelling this summer, make sure you know what the luggage allowances are.