Do the air traffic controllers in France only go on strike during good weather?
Ah, after what seemed like an endless winter, the signs of spring are finally here: chirping birds have replaced the shriek of your alarm clock, there's a thin layer of pollen on the hood of your car and the French are on strike. Journalists at Radio France said "J'en ai assez!" more than three weeks ago and now the country's air traffic controllers have thrown their headsets down too. As a result of the union's planned two-day strike, 40% of flights through French airspace have been canceled.
[embed]
[/embed]
[embed]
[/embed]
EUclaim, an airline data specialist, claims that French aviation strikes and good weather go hand in hand, and even has the data to back it up. However, this strike was scheduled weeks in advance, making the claim somewhat questionable.
Since the strike was scheduled well ahead of time, the airlines weren't taken completely by surprise, but their PR departments have been working overtime, as has the phrase "we apologize for the inconvenience." Air France, the country's flagship carrier, is still operating its long-haul flights, but 60% of its medium-haul trips have been grounded, as have 70% of flights in and out of Paris Orly Airport. Low cost carrier easyJet had to cancel 118 flights from the UK to France, and Ryanair has scrapped more than 250 flights. In a statement posted on its website, Ryanair wrote:
We sincerely apologise to all customers affected by this unwarranted strike action and we call on the EU and French authorities to take measures to prevent any further disruption. It's grossly unfair that thousands of European travellers will once again have their travel plans disrupted by the selfish actions of a tiny number of French ATC workers.
SNCTA, the air traffic controllers' union, had originally planned for the strike to be held March 25-27, but it was postponed after Germanwings Flight 9525 crashed in the French Alps. The strike is largely over working conditions and workers are also stomping their feet over the retirement age for ATC workers being raised from 55 to 57. A second three-day strike has been planned for April 16, and workers intend to walk out again on April 29.
[embed]
[/embed]
If your flight has been canceled as a result of the strike (or could be in the future), the airlines are required to offer either a refund, to make arrangements to reroute you or to allow you to rebook your flight for a later date. Flights within Europe are covered by EU regulations, which also require the airlines to cover the cost of a hotel for stranded travelers. If you'll have to pay out of your own pocket at the time, just keep your receipts and read up on your passenger rights. Also, keep an eye on the Twitter feeds for the airline you'll be traveling with, as they will most likely post updates about affected flights. It's also much quicker to ask a question through social media –and to get a reply – than it is to call an overworked customer service number.
Ah, spring!