Europe's travel strikes: A Comprehensive overview of disruptions

Jun 27 2023 Travel trends

As labor disputes continue to sweep across Europe, travelers need to be aware of ongoing and upcoming strike actions that may affect their journeys. With discontent over low wages and unfavorable working conditions, workers in various sectors are organizing walkouts that can disrupt transportation services and cause inconvenience to travelers. In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the current strike situation and its impact on different countries and regions.

France: Pension protests cause travel disruptions

France has been grappling with protests against an increase in the legal retirement age from 62 to 64. Unions have been engaged in strikes since January, severely impacting travel within the country. Air travel has been particularly affected, with Ryanair cancelling around 400 flights across Europe due to air traffic controller strikes. While there are no new strike dates confirmed at the moment, the unions are expected to meet and discuss their next steps soon.

Scotland: Strikes averted through negotiations

Amid discussions of strikes at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, agreements have been reached with unions, leading to staff accepting pay rises of 11-12 percent. Consequently, strikes at both airports have been called off, providing relief for travelers.

England: Security staff at London Heathrow announce strikes

Over 2,000 security staff at London Heathrow Airport have declared a series of strikes over pay. Originally planned for 31 days during the summer, the strike period has been reduced to 29 days to allow members to vote on a new pay offer. The strikes will now commence on June 28 and are expected to occur nearly every weekend until the end of August, coinciding with the beginning of the school holidays and the August bank holiday in the UK. Heathrow Airport has assured passengers that previous strikes had minimal impact and that efforts will be made to minimize disruption during the walkouts.

Birmingham Airport in the Midlands faces potential travel chaos as approximately 100 key airport workers, including security officers, technicians, and aircraft re-fuelers, are voting on strike action. If the strike proceeds, it could result in significant delays and cancelled flights, according to the union Unite. Travelers planning to use Birmingham Airport in July should stay updated on the strike developments and consider alternative arrangements if necessary.

Sweden: Security strikes planned at airports

The Swedish Transport Workers' Union has announced security strikes scheduled to begin on July 3 at Bromma Stockholm Airport and Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport. The strikes are primarily motivated by wage disputes and could extend to July 5 and 7 if no resolution is reached. Other businesses, including a nuclear power plant, may also experience strikes involving security staff. Passengers traveling to and from these airports should anticipate potential disruptions during these periods.

Italy: Summer strikes in public transport and airports

Italy is known for frequent strikes during the summer season. Unions representing airline and rail staff, as well as public transport workers, have already announced several strikes this year. Regional disruptions are expected in various parts of the country, so it is advisable to check for updates before traveling.

Baggage handling staff at airports throughout Italy will participate in a 24-hour strike on June 20. This action, supported by three major transport workers' unions, is likely to cause disruptions in major airports, particularly affecting check-in desks and baggage collection. Flight delays and cancellations may also occur as a result.

On July 7, public transport staff across Italy will engage in a 24-hour strike, affecting trains, ferries, and metro services. The level of disruption may vary between cities and services, making it crucial to check with travel providers for potential impacts on individual journeys. The strike will commence at midnight on July 6 and continue until the beginning of service on July 7, with additional periods of disruption from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm to midnight. Minimal service will be guaranteed during specific time frames.

Spain: Daily strikes by airline staff

The Spanish Union of Airline Pilots (Sepla) has called for strikes against Air Europa, Spain's third-largest airline. Although exact dates have not been announced, the strikes will occur sometime between June 19 and July 2. In addition, Sepla has been engaged in a "daily indefinite strike" against Air Nostrum, the regional airline run by Iberia since June 6. This ongoing strike has resulted in the cancellation of approximately 20 percent of the airline's flights, causing delays for other flights as well. Negotiations to resolve the dispute have not yet yielded any breakthroughs.

Staying informed about strikes and flight disruptions

With strikes taking place across Europe, it is crucial for travelers to stay informed and prepared. Check for updates from airlines, airports, and transportation providers regarding possible disruptions. Consider alternative travel options, adjust travel plans if necessary, and allow extra time for contingencies. Being proactive and flexible can help mitigate the impact of these labor disputes and ensure smoother journeys during this period of strike action across Europe. Good to know: If your flight was cancelled or delayed due to flight strike, you can check if you have an eligible claim for compensation based on the EU Passenger Rights Regulation 261/2004. You can check your claim with us now - www.myflyright.com.