Air cancellations continue today

Talks are to be held between unions and government tomorrow, though both sides have so far been inflexible

AIR workers’ strikes continue today, expected to be the last day of disruption before talks between unions and the government.

Air France, the firm most affected, expects to be running the same programme as yesterday ie. just 65% of its long-haul flights and 75% of short and medium-term ones.

Airline pilots’ union SNPL has deplored the “lack of any meeting [with the government] during the strikes” which are set to finish tonight.

Union officials have been invited to the Transport Ministry tomorrow.

SNPL president Yves Deshayes said: “Any further action will depend on what we obtain from this meeting – or do not obtain.”

The unions are opposed to a bill going through parliament which would limit workers’ right to strike. Cabin crew and ground staff have also joined strikes, but pilots have been particularly involved.

So far the government has said it is determined to push the bill through.

Air France says the strike has been costing it €8-10 million a day and it has come as it is facing financial difficulties. Tomorrow it is set to start a major process of renegotiating working conditions agreements with staff.