Air France strike threat withdrawn
Cabin crew call off next weekend's planned strike, but a later walkout by French pilots is still going ahead
AIR France cabin crew have withdrawn their plans for a four-day strike next weekend - but a separate walkout by French pilots is still scheduled for the following week.
Unions representing air stewards had planned to stop work from this coming Friday, July 29, disrupting the busiest weekend of the year for air travel in France.
They were protesting against the launch of Air France's new budget regional operation, which aims to boost productivity and compete better against low-cost rivals.
An agreement was signed on Saturday morning offering improved rest breaks and pay in return for faster flight turnarounds and more working hours spent in the air.
Cabin crew union Unac said it was "satisfied" with the deal but has not ruled out further action, adding: "Not all of our problems have been resolved."
One minority union, Sud Aérien, has not accepted the deal, but Air France said in a statement that "all flights next weekend will go ahead as normal".
The transport ministry is still in negotiations with pilots' union SNPL to attempt to resolve their dispute before a four-day walkout on the following weekend, August 5-8.
Pilots are planning to strike over changes to their pension regime, which is shared with that of cabin crew.
The friction between pilots and cabin crew was reignited recently, following an argument over contributions and payouts between high and low earners.
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