More strikes to hit one of Europe’s busiest airports this month – with two other destinations facing walkouts
ONE of the busiest airports in Europe faces even more walkouts this summer, after a wave of strikes.
Unions representing workers at Aeroports de Paris ADP have confirmed plans to go on strike on July 17.
The strikes, confirmed by CGT, CFDT, FO and UNSA unions, will hit Paris just days before the Olympics, which starts on July 26.
It comes after a walkout back in May 19, although it did not cause any major disruption.
The new planned walkouts are following disagreements over pay, bonuses and working conditions during the busy Paris Olympics period.
Staff are demanding an Olympus bonus as well, with as many as up to 350,000 people expected to travel through Paris‘ airports per day.
Charles de Gaulle, one of the busiest airports in the world and the biggest in France, will be affected, as well as Orly Airport.
A statement from the ADP unions said: “All the trade unions have unilaterally denounced the divisive methods and choices of management.
“We have to conclude that the chief executive has dismissed our demands.”
It isn’t clear on how the strikes will affect flights, but it is expected to cause delays and disruption if it goes ahead.
The UK Foreign Office has already warned to expect airports to be “much busier than usual” during the Olympics.
A wave of strikes are expected across Europe this summer, with Brits warned to expect delays and even cancellations.
Here are some of the destinations set to be hit.
Turkey
Workers at Antalya Airport are already on strike, which started back on July 3.
The ATC strike is due to demands over higher salaries and better working conditions.
The strike is expected to last until July 14.
Italy
Airport staff across Italy have already walked out this week, with disruption on July 5.
However, another walkout is expected on July 21 by unionised staff.
This is expected to affected Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio airports.
UK
ICTS Central Search Workers at Glasgow and Abderdeen will walk out after rejecting a pay offer.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
While an official start date has not been confirmed, hundreds of staff are expected to walk out mid-July.
Strikes at Gatwick Airport have recently been called off.
