Vueling Flight Attendants Union Announces Strike over Management Intransigence and Unfavorable Working Conditions

The SNPNC-FO union, representing French hostesses and stewards of the Spanish low-cost airline Vueling, is unhappy with negotiations with management and has announced a strike from May 8 to 12. On April 29, the union submitted a strike notice in hopes of resuming fair negotiations with management. However, the company has not been cooperative and even sent a threatening email to employees.

The lack of progress in negotiations is not the only issue that the union is concerned about. They are also unhappy with the working conditions at Vueling, including the sustained pace of work with short rest periods, forced flights for some staff, and the use of employees on contracts that are not French. The CGT union has joined forces with SNPNC-FO in their efforts to address these issues.

The strike notice coincides with the Ascension long weekend, a busy travel period. In spring of 2023, SNPNC-FO went on strike leading to cancellation of numerous flights. They are now waiting for management to reach out and negotiate.

Vueling operates a network of 248 routes, including 42 in France, and carried over 34 million passengers in 2023. Founded in 2004 in Spain, the company is focused on low-cost travel and is part of the IAG group which includes British Airways and Iberia. Despite its success, Vueling is facing challenges with its employees and negotiations with union representatives.