It’s a tough time to be working in the aviation industry. Faced with staff shortages and huge levels of disruption, many workers at airlines and airports are facing long, stressful hours and poor working conditions. And, thanks to the cost of living crisis and pandemic-era pay cuts, loads of them are doing it all for lower wages, too.
Needless to say, it’s no wonder that so many staff at airports and airlines have been going on strike. From Italy and Belgium to Greece and France, airports across Europe have seen thousands of flights delayed and cancelled by industrial action.
Strikes can, obvs, have a serious impact on your holiday, so it’s best to be as informed about them as possible. Read on for our guide to who’s going on strike in Europe right now, where and when those strikes will happen – and whether you need to worry about them.
Strikes at Belgian Airports
A group of Belgian trade unions have held a series of protests, including a 10,000-strong rally in Brussels, since the start of February, but now a major walkout has been announced across the country’s airports.
According to Travel Tomorrow, Skeyes, which is the Belgian air navigation service provider, has informed Brussels Airport that for a 24-hour period from 10pm on February 12 until 12pm on February 13, no air traffic will be allowed to operate.
Along with ground handlers and security staff, employees are walking out in protest against pension reforms, wage freezes, longer working hours as well as austerity cuts to publics services. Lots of disruption and cancellations are expected during this period, and likely afterwards, so check your journey status with your travel provider.
What happens if your airline goes on strike?
If the staff on strike cause your flight to be delayed or cancelled, the airline is usually obliged to help you and/or provide compensation. However, this often depends on the conditions of carriage of your airline, as well as the extent of your travel insurance. These should both be easily accessed on either your airline or insurer’s website.
However, if you book your flight already knowing that a strike is set to take place (ie. it’s already been announced by the union), you are exceptionally unlikely to receive compensation. Before you book, be sure to check for any strike dates not just at your intended airline but also at departure and arrival airports.
Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind that the threat of a strike is exactly that: a threat. Strikes are primarily used as bargaining chips in negotiations between unions and employers, so there’s always the chance that both sides will come to an agreement before one actually takes place.
In any case, if your journey involves any of the above airlines, destinations and dates, be sure to keep an eye on your flight status and prepare for a more disrupted journey than expected.