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, 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, of course, 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.
French air traffic control strikes
Air traffic controllers in France are set to go on strike for two days from July 3-4, with workers citing understaffing and the UNSA-ICNA union citing ‘toxic’ and ‘authoritarian’ management, according to euronews.
These strikes will affect flights arriving into and departing from French airports, as well as flights travelling through French airspace. The extent of flight cancellations, delays and diversions is not yet known, but the DGAC has said it will announce how many flights will need to be cancelled in the days leading up to the strikes.
The strikes come at one of the busiest times of the year for air travel in the country. Further industrial action is anticipated over the summer if an agreement can’t be reached.
Strikes at Italian airports throughout July
Baggage handlers at several Italian airports will take part in a 24-hour strike on July 10, affecting passengers at Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, and Venice Marco Polo airports.
On the same day, protests from airport staff will take place at Cagliari Elmas airport on Sardinia (between 1pm and 5pm) and Naples Capodichino (between 11am and 3pm).
On July 11, passengers flying to or from the Sicilian capital of Palermo may experience delays or cancellations, as aviation service staff at Falcone Borsellino Airport are planning a 24-hour strike.
Finally, a nationwide airline and airport strike is set to go ahead on July 26, lasting for four hours between 1pm and 5pm. Airline staff and airport workers across the country will be taking part, which will result in significant delays for travellers.
What happens if your airline goes on strike?
If strikes 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 your airline – some airlines won’t cover strikes out of their control, such as airport or baggage handler strikes. Your compensation also depends on the extent of your travel insurance. These should both be easily accessed on either your airline or insurer’s website.
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.
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