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.
Germany pilots and cabin crew strikes
Members of staff at Discover airlines, which is based in Frankfurt, have voted in favour of unlimited strike action in two different ballots. Subsequently, pilots and cabin crew plan to stage walkouts if the parent airline Lufthansa refuses to meet their demands over pay and working conditions.
Strikes at Alicante Airport
Though the original strike proposed by security staff at Alicante-Elche airport was only meant to take place August 1-4, that’s now been extended to include 30 and 31 August.
The airport, which serves the popular holiday hotspot Costa Blanca, is expected to have longer queues at security between 8.30-9.30am and 6-7pm local time.
Airport staff strikes in Italy
The transport sector in Italy is forbidden from taking industrial action during the peak summer season, so it’s unlikely we’ll see any strikes between now and 5 September, when that window ends.
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.