In france you get a SFO contract if you have more than 3000 hours factorized and EASA ATPL. There is no room for negotiation, they cant offer what they want. It's a contractual clause.
I am not familiar with the uk contract.
What people have to realize is that easyJet contracts across Europe are very different in terms of money, roster, pension, part time options, base freeze, taxes, etc.
It's almost like working for different companies.