The arrival of tourists in Olympic lands might be more athletic than expected. Another strike is looming among employees of several Parisian airports on July 17, launched by four unions of the ADP group – CGT, CFDT, FO, and WAT. They denounce a “deterioration of working conditions”, demanding a “gratification for all staff”, a “massive” hiring plan of 1,000 positions, and a guarantee of time off during all Olympic and Paralympic events.
Unions at Paris airports are calling for a strike on July 17, ahead of the Olympic Games, according to a press release. #AFP pic.twitter.com/89JoLqfpfN
— Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) July 8, 2024
In the beginning there was an unequal bounty
The trade union organizations have gone up in arms due to a poorly distributed bonus among employees. The bonus was only paid to “part of the staff,” the unions regretted in a joint press release, decrying these “division methods”. They pointed to a budgetary injustice, arguing that “the company has the resources to respond to the legitimate requests of employees and their representatives”. Striking on July 17 would be a way to exert pressure, a few days before the Olympic Games opening ceremony and during peak summer vacation.
Coping with the organization of the Olympic Games
Every summer, around 350,000 passengers pass through the security of the Paris airports of Roissy and Orly each day. For several months, the unions have been demanding resources to “deal with the evolution of air traffic and the organization of the Olympic Games”. “If we are reduced to calling for a strike, it is because of the stubborn refusal of management, and in particular the PDG d’ADP, to underestimate the ultimatum issued by the united unions and the determination of the staff”, the unions said. The AOP group does not expect to see an increase in the volume of travelers but has taken measures to guarantee the reception of athletes with specific routes and temporary infrastructure.
A strike movement has already taken place on May 19 and June 18 without causing major disruptions. It is not yet known how widely the strike will be followed on 17 July, or whether flights will be cancelled. However, given the key period in which the strike is taking place, airline workers can hope to obtain new bonuses, like their counterparts in the RATP and the SNCF, whose mobilization was successful.
Strike and demonstration by employees at Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airport.
They are demanding a 300€ wage increase, an Olympic bonus and better working conditions. pic.twitter.com/Dy5r6e2aKD
— Luc Auffret (@LucAuffret) June 18, 2024
Paris Airport Workers Threaten to Strike During the Olympics
The arrival of tourists in Olympic lands might be more athletic than expected. Yet another strike is looming among employees of several Parisian airports on July 17, launched by four unions of the ADP group – CGT, CFDT, FO et UNSA. They denounce a ” deterioration of working conditions “, demanding in particular a ” gratification for all staff ”, a hiring plan “ massif ” of 1,000 positions and the guarantee of power ask days during all Olympic and Paralympic events.
Unions at Paris airports are calling for a strike on July 17, ahead of the Olympic Games, according to a press release. #AFP pic.twitter.com/89JoLqfpfN
— Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) July 8, 2024
In the beginning there was an unequal bounty
If the trade union organizations have gone up in arms, it is first and foremost because of a poorly distributed bonus among employees. By a unilateral decision taken by the CEO of the group Augustin de Romanet, this bonus was only paid ” has part of the staff “, the unions regretted in a joint press release. The latter denounce these “ division methods “, and point to a budgetary injusticesince “ the company has the resources to respond to the legitimate requests of employees and their representatives ” Striking on July 17 would therefore be a good way to exert pressure, a few days before the Olympic Games opening ceremony and in full summer vacation.
Coping with the organization of the Olympic Games
And for good reason, every summer, a few 350,000 passengers pass the security of airports from Roissy and Orly every day. For several months, the unions have been demanding resources to ” to deal with the evolution of air traffic and to the organization of the Olympic Games ». « If we are reduced to calling for a strike, it is because of the stubborn refusal of management and in particular of PDG d’ADPunderestimating the ultimatum issued by the united unions and the determination of the staff “, the unions said. The AOP group does not expect to see an increase in the volume of travelers but has taken measures to guarantee the reception of athleteswith specific routes and temporary infrastructures.
A strike movement has already taken place on May 19 et June 18 without causing major disruptions. It is not yet known how widely the strike will be followed on 17 July, or whether flights will be cancelled. However, given the key period in which the strike is taking place, airline workers can hope to obtain new bonuseslike their counterparts in the RATP and the SNCFwhose mobilization was successful.
Strike and demonstration by employees at Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airport.
They are demanding a 300€ wage increase, an Olympic bonus and better working conditions. pic.twitter.com/Dy5r6e2aKD
— Luc Auffret (@LucAuffret) June 18, 2024
Impact on Travelers
The potential strike raises concerns for travelers planning to arrive in or depart from Paris during the Olympic Games. While the impact of the strike is still uncertain, it might lead to flight cancellations, delays, and disruptions at airports.
Previous Strikes and Their Success
The current threat of a strike follows two previous demonstrations of labor unrest at Parisian airports. The strikes on May 19 and June 18, while disruptive, did not cause widespread cancellations or major chaos. These earlier actions appear to have emboldened the unions and demonstrated their capacity to exert pressure on airport management.
Key Demands of the Unions
The unions have a clear set of demands that they hope to achieve through the strike action:
- Gratuity for all staff: The unions are calling for a bonus, likely related to the Olympic Games, to be distributed to all airport employees, not just a select portion of staff.
- 1,000 New Positions: The unions demand increased staffing levels to improve service quality and address the anticipated rise in passenger traffic during the Olympic Games.
- Guaranteed Days Off: The unions want a guarantee of leave days for all employees during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, ensuring they have opportunities for rest and personal time during this hectic period.
Possible Outcomes of the Strike
The potential strike on July 17 presents a number of possible outcomes:
- Successful Negotiation: The unions might be able to pressure airport management into accepting their demands through the threat of a strike. This would result in improved working conditions and benefits for airport employees.
- Partial Success: The unions may achieve some of their demands, while others are left unfulfilled. Airport management might concede on issues like bonus distribution but stand firm on staffing levels.
- Major Disruption: While unlikely, a successful and widespread strike might lead to significant flight cancellations and delays, disrupting travel plans for passengers arriving in Paris during the Olympic Games.
- Government Intervention: The French government might intervene to mediate the situation between the unions and airport management, attempting to prevent a major disruption to the Olympic Games.
What Travelers Should Do
If you’re traveling to or from Paris during the Olympic Games, it’s essential to be informed regarding the potential strike. Here are some steps you can take:
- Monitor News: Stay updated on the latest developments regarding the strike by checking news sources and airport websites.
- Contact Your Airline: If you have flight reservations, contact your airline to inquire regarding potential cancellations or delays.
- Consider Alternative Travel: If you’re concerned regarding the potential impact of the strike, consider alternative travel options like train or bus transportation.
- Plan for Delays: Allow for extra time to navigate airports and security lines, as potential delays and congestion are expected.
Beyond the Olympics
The issues at stake in the potential strike go beyond the immediate concerns of the Olympic Games. The demands for improved working conditions, increased staffing levels, and guaranteed time off reflect a broader struggle by employees in the aviation sector to ensure their well-being and job security.
