Update: airport strike called off

UPDATE: As reported below, this morning an air traffic controllers' strike had been confirmed for tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday - however it has been cancelled at the last minute as of this afternoon. The main union concerned, SNCTA, and the civil aviation authority, DGAC, confirm a "final negotiation session" led to an agreement being reached.

A STRIKE by air traffic controllers has been confirmed for tomorrow and Friday after negotiations broke down.

The civil aviation authority, DGAC, is expected shortly to make an announcement asking airlines to preventively reduce their flights – during the last strikes, in April 40% of flights were cut.

If you are concerned, your ticket should be refunded, however extra compensation will probably not be available as strikes are considered “extraordinary circumstances” beyond the airlines’ control.

The strikes are going ahead just as the first families are heading for July holidays and Transport Minister Alain Vidalies said there will be “serious consequences on air transport, both national and European”.

“It will cause major problems to passengers in this period of holiday departures,” he told journalists.

The government says talks broke down after 25 hours of discussions, notably over the amount of a bonus to be paid related to trials of a new organisation plan for the controllers’ work. An offer of €2,500 per worker was considered insufficient by the unions. The strikes are over working conditions and pay.

Union meetings are being held today and the strikers say there is a “strong likelihood” that a further strike will be held.

If your flight is cancelled, apart from a refund, your rights under EU law include alternative transport to your destination at the earliest opportunity or rebooking at a later date of your choice, subject to seat availability.

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