Air France cabin crew threaten strike action over Christmas break

Two unions representing Air France cabin crew have issued strike notices for the period between December 22 and January 2.

“This strike notice must serve as a warning to our bosses,” the union statement said. “If this warning is not heard, only a strong mobilisation will be capable of tipping the balance.”

The industrial action would be in protest against the renegotiation of the collective cabin crew workplace agreement, which relates to their working conditions, pay and progression, and which expired in October.

Air France took this as an opportunity to ask air stewards and stewardesses to increase their productivity by looking after 50 people on a long haul flight as opposed to 48 currently, for example. This has been strongly opposed by unions, with several meetings on the subject not leading to a resolution of the conflict.

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However, seven further meetings are scheduled to take place between now and January, so if an agreement is reached the strikes may be called off.

Air France has said that “throughout the negotiations” it has been “committed” to making sure that the working conditions of cabin crew “remain the same”.

The airline has already sold the majority of its tickets for the festive period, but its most expensive seats are yet to be sold. The threat of strike action risks turning its most lucrative customers towards competitors, which would result in a significant loss of revenue, according to the airline.

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