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
If you’re about to head to Belgium, listen up. On the 13th of every month until further notice (which, according to euronews, could last well into the spring), airport workers will continue to stage 24-hour strikes.
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 public services. Lots of disruption and cancellations are expected during these periods, and likely afterwards, so check your journey status with your travel provider.
This is on top of a nine-day railway strike which begins tonight, on Friday February 21 at 10pm, running until the same time on Sunday March 2.
Air traffic control strikes in Greece
As part of a nationwide strike on February 28, Greek air traffic controllers will be participating in a 24-hour work stoppage, only handling essential flights such as medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, humanitarian aid deliveries and other emergencies.
This means that almost all commercial flights will be grounded, and delays will likely follow the strike period.
The general strike is calling for justice for the victims of a collision between a passenger and a a freight train which happened in northern Greece in 2023.
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.