European Air traffic controllers warn of strike action

Kurt Hofmann Jan 28, 2014
Several European countries could be
affected by air traffic controller strikes this week.

Italy‘s ATM system could be affected tomorrow and Thursday, while strikes are also possible in Portugal tomorrow.

On Thursday, air traffic controllers are calling for actions in Greece, France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria, although these would be hourly actions rather than full- or half-
day strikes.

European airlines will be seriously
affected by the strike action, the
Association of European Airlines (AEA) said in a statement. “AEA strongly condemns these unjustified actions which highjack a transport sector vital for the European economy and mobility.”

AEA pointed out that in some countries controllers have decided not to follow the call for action. Proposed legislation related to the implementation of a Single European Sky system, on which
amendments are being discussed this week in the European Union
parliament, is prompting the strike
calls. The SES amendments are
scheduled to go to vote by the EU’s
transport committe on Jan. 30.

Last week French air traffic controllers SNCTA and German Gdf unions postponed their strikes that were originally called for this week.

Source: Air Transport World.