Departures on vacation may be disrupted this summer for travelers who will take the plane. Security guards at Brussels airport will strike on June 20, and they are not the only ones to make this type of announcement in recent days.
First sword of Damocles, for travellers: this strike notice at Brussels Airlines. No precise date yet… But it might fall at the end of June, or at the beginning of July. Consequence: canceled flights, if the strike is confirmed.
“The aim is obviously not to annoy passengers, but you have to be aware that if the airlines continue to behave in such a rigid way, there will be problems in June and July, but if that does not change following these actions, it may continue all summer“, warns Didier Lebbe, CNE delegate.
At this point, 90% of the airline’s pilots are FOR this strike, and intend to follow it. Next step: survey the cabin crew. The results will be known next Wednesday. And that’s when the strike will be confirmed, or not. And that a date will be announced.
“There are 1,000 people who left the company, and those who remained were asked to have even harsher working conditions than before. And in particular on the flight suits! Suddenly, the rest time between two performances has been greatly reduced”, continues the union representative.
National strike by guards on June 20, Ryanair also plans union action
The lack of staff, and the working conditions, is also denounced by the security service of the airport. Date to note absolutely: June 20, day of national mobilization. 80% of the staff intends to follow the strike. Without it, no security checks, and therefore no flights…
Last announcement: it concerns Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Staff will be on strike once more from 1is July. At home, workers from other airlines are considering mobilization. Like Ryanair, for example.
What will Brussels airport put in place to limit disruption?
For airports, the beginning of summer is a crucial period, especially following 2 years of pandemic. Our journalist Loïc Parmentier went to Brussels airport to take the temperature on these strike notices.
Several things will be put in place to try to deal with it, explains our journalist. In particular thanks to the operational center of Brussels airport which includes all the key players of an airport: “Next week, they are meeting to try to find alternative solutions to limit the disturbances”, explains Loïc Parmentier. “Even if they will not be able to avoid them completely: an airport cannot negotiate on behalf of the management of a private company as is the case for security guards. And that is where the difficulty lies “he adds.
This type of reflection will also be carried out for other possible actions at the start of the holidays, such as union actions for pilots or baggage handlers. Especially since this period is very busy: “Here at Brussels airport they are planning days with 75,000 travelers every day,” specifies our journalist on the spot.
Tip: If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline, they will be the only ones who can help you.