European airlines this year now and then redraw the schedule. If in the summer the most common cause was a shortage of staff, now it seems that everything is much more serious. Flight crews are dissatisfied with working conditions and low salaries.
Latest protests affect TAP Portugal and Finnair passengers
According to local media, Finnair was forced to cancel about 100 flights on November 20 and 21 due to a 24-hour flight attendant strike. Tens of thousands of travelers had to change their plans.
The organizer of the action, the Association of Flight Attendants of Finland (SLSY), which is part of the Trade Union of Transport Workers (AKT), says that the strike was caused by “poor management” and the threat of layoffs in connection with the introduction of measures to optimize work.
Affected passengers can apply for a refund if the airline is unable to transfer them.
A Finnair spokesperson commented: “The strike will have a significant impact on Finnair’s operations and unfortunately we have to cancel many flights. We deeply regret the inconvenience this protest is causing our customers and are doing our best to find options for them as soon as possible.”
“It is sad that the union chose the path of an illegal strike instead of negotiations. All autumn we discussed the possibilities of saving with trade unions, but, unfortunately, we have not yet managed to achieve a result with flight attendants. We still hope to find solutions together.”
TAP Portugal flights will also be hit by strikes, with flight attendants not showing up for work next month on 8 and 9 December. The airline has not yet confirmed how many flights will not take place or will be rescheduled.
The Portuguese translator said in a statement: “In light of the advance notice of the flight attendants’ strike on December 8 and 9, TAP announces that it will allow customers who wish to change their flight dates during these days to do so without any penalty between November 28 and 19 December”.
To receive compensation for a delayed or canceled flight, you must first contact the airline and try to resolve the issue out of court.