Surging inflation causing labour unrest across Europe
Some Ryanair cabin crew demanding better conditions
Budget airline says does not expect widespread summer disruption
Other airlines face strikes amid struggles with staff shortages

LISBONBRUSSELS, June 24 Reuters Some cabin crew at Ryanair went on strike in Belgium, Spain and Portugal on Friday in a dispute over pay and working conditions, causing limited disruption as the budget airline cancelled dozens of flights that left hundreds of passengers stranded.

Surging inflation across Europe has led to millions of workers struggling with a higher cost of living, prompting trade unions to demand higher wage increases often backed by strike calls. 

Airlines and airport operators across Europe have also struggled with staff shortages to handle the flow of passengers as demand for travel bounces back with the end of most COVID19 restrictions. Workers at several other airlines, including British Airways, are also planning strikes this summer.

Ryanair cabin crew unions in Belgium, Spain and Portugal called a threeday strike starting on Friday. Staff in France and Italy were expected to walk out over the weekend. Crews in Spain are set to strike again on June 30 and July 12.

Workers say the Irish airline does not respect local labour laws covering issues such as the minimum wage and urge Ryanair39;s bosses to improve working conditions. 

Conditions are terrible, said Ricardo Penarroias, president of SNPVAC, the union…