Travel troubles: Your guide to prepare for European airline strikes
Although airlines are seeing a positive return in travelers, behind the scenes for the aviation industry is a different story.
Companies are faced with the ordeal of staff shortages. The inconsistencies in staffing have led to stressful and poor working conditions for employees.
At one time, more hours meant more pay. Unfortunately, that is not the case for some. According to Timeout, pandemic pay cuts and national increases in the cost of living have left employees working for less.
The strain on employees has caused many airports to go on strike. The largest unrest has come from airports across Europe. The outlet reported airports in Italy, Belgium, Portugal, and France are seeing the fallout from employee strikes.
Flights have been delayed and canceled due to the lack of staff. As the summer travel wave is rolling in, the casualties of airline strikes may become more common. Below is information on European airlines currently experiencing strikes and how they could affect you.
London Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is set to see strikes every weekend this summer. Around 2,000 officers who are members of the Unite union will walk out. The action will affect Terminals 3 and 5 as well as campus security, which might lead to lines at passport control. The officers are striking in response to low wages. The officers are said to walk out “31 days between June 24 and August 2.”
Air traffic controllers
Air traffic controllers throughout France went on strike from June 6 to June 7. The strike responded to the government increasing the retirement age for their line of work. According to the Irish Examiner, the strike caused the cancellation of seven flights to and from France from Cork and Dublin and three flights to Spain and Italy that pass over France.
What happens if your airline goes on strike?
If a strike happens, the outcome for passengers is up in the air. If your flight is delayed or canceled, the airline is “usually obliged to help you and/or provide compensation.” However, as Timeout reports, this often depends on the airline and the conditions of your travel insurance.
The outlet warned that travelers should be aware that if they booked their flight already knowing that a strike could happen (i.e., it’s already been announced by the union), they are doubtful to receive compensation.
It is good practice to check strike dates for both your departure and arrival airports. Travelers are also encouraged to monitor flight statuses and itinerary changes before departing.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published June 12, 2023 at 9:05 AM with the headline "Travel troubles: Your guide to prepare for European airline strikes."