The French pilots' union SNPL has accused easyJet of recruiting self-employed pilots based in Marrakech, Morocco, in a move that could circumvent French labor regulations. The allegations were reported by French media on August 10, 2026.
According to the union, easyJet is using a legal loophole by hiring pilots as independent contractors rather than as employees, which would deny them the protections and benefits of French labor law. The pilots are reportedly based in Marrakech, allowing easyJet to avoid French social security contributions and other employer obligations.
easyJet has not yet publicly responded to the accusations. The SNPL has called on French authorities to investigate the practice, which it says threatens the social model of the aviation industry in France.
This is not the first time the airline has faced criticism over its employment practices. In previous years, easyJet has been involved in disputes with unions over working conditions and pay.
