EasyJet pilots announce new Amsterdam strike

EasyJet pilots stationed at Schiphol Airport will be striking again on Friday, the association of Dutch pilots VNV announced. This strike will go on for 24 hours, which means the pilots will not work at all on Friday, NU.nl reports. "Because talks between VNV and EasyJet to date have not led to concrete progress, we are now forced to announce a longer strike", VNV said. The pilots are demanding sick leave pay, more rest between flights and a better pension scheme. They are currently working on personal contracts, but would like a collective bargaining agreement. "It is regrettable that the conflict must continue so long, but we will remain committed to a fair collective agreement for EasyJet pilots", VNV said. Last week Tuesday the EasyJet pilots were also on strike between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. During that strike the union accused EasyJet of hiring temporary pilots from abroad to break the picketing line. "By deploying strike breakers, EasyJet throws fuel on the fire", VNV president Steven Verhagen said at the time. According to VNV, breaking a strike is illegal and the union will be filing a lawsuit. It is unclear exactly when this will happen.