14th strike amid warnings over Air France future
Airline says 85% of its services will operate on Monday as staff walk out in ongoing pay dispute despite concerns over future viability of airline
Air France guaranteed 85% of its services would operate on Monday, the 14th day of an ongoing pay dispute, amid warnings the strike has put the company's future in doubt.
The airline said 99% of its long-haul flights would operate out of Charles de Gaulle, along with 80% of medium-haul flights from the same airport. Meanwhile, 87% of short-haul services in and out of Paris-Orly would also take off - though Air France warned of possible delays and disruption.
Another walkout is expected on Tuesday, after unions meet to discuss possible future action as they press for a 6% salary increase. Unions say their members should share in the airline's improved earnings after a wage freeze imposed since 2011.
The strike, which has cost already chief executive Jean-Marc Janaillac his job. He resigned on Friday after workers voted to reject a deal of an immediate 2% pay rise, increasing to 5% between 2019 and 2021, which was made directly to them as part of a staff consultation. A total 55% of those who voted rejected the offer.
The walkouts have cost Air France more than €300million.
Meanwhile, France's Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire warned on Sunday that "the survival of Air France is in the balance", and said that the State, which owns 14.3% of the group, would not write off the company's debts..
"I call on everyone to be responsible: crew, ground staff, and pilots who are asking for unjustified pay hikes," Mr Le Maire told the BFM news channel.
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