Pilots in Belgium are preparing to stage a two-day strike this weekend, which is expected to significantly impact flights operated by Ryanair at Brussels South Charleroi Airport. The strike, called by two trade unions - CNE and ACV Puls - along with the pilots' union Beca, is being carried out in protest of pay cuts and unfavorable working conditions.
Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, has already canceled 44 flights scheduled for July 15, and around 140 flights are likely to be affected on July 15 and 16, at the airport located south of Brussels.
The decision to strike follows Ryanair's alleged intention to cancel an agreement on working hours and rest for its pilots in Belgium. Moreover, since the onset of the pandemic, the pilots had agreed to a 20% pay reduction, which the airline has not yet reversed despite the improving situation.
The trade unions had given Ryanair until July 14 to present a satisfactory proposal to address these concerns. With the airline failing to meet the deadline, the pilots have decided to proceed with the two-day strike.
In a press release, the unions expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers traveling with Ryanair during this period but stressed their determination to prevent the violation of Belgian social dialogue principles by the airline.
“We apologize in advance to passengers planning to travel with Ryanair between now and October 2024 who may be affected by these strikes. But we can no longer allow Ryanair to violate the basic principles of Belgian social dialogue,” the union stated.
As of now, it remains uncertain how many flights will be affected on July 16, but passengers are advised to stay updated with the latest information from Ryanair and the airport authorities.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport has already listed 44 canceled flights for July 15, affecting various destinations including Morocco, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Italy, France, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Poland. Flights operated by crews based outside Belgium will continue to operate as usual. Ryanair has assured that 60% of its flights to and from Belgium will operate normally.
While the current strike is limited to this weekend, further strikes could be announced until the expiration of the COVID-19 agreement in October. Additionally, there is the potential for disruptions to summer flights if staff at one of Europe's air traffic control (ATC) centers decide to strike. The dates of these potential strikes have not been confirmed, but they could be initiated with as little as five days' notice.
Passengers planning to travel through Brussels South Charleroi Airport or on Ryanair flights to and from Belgium are advised to check for updates from the airline and the airport authorities. Contingency plans should be considered in case of flight cancellations or delays, and alternative travel arrangements may need to be made to minimize disruptions.
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