Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted: European air traffic control strike puts summer holiday flights at risk
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More than twelve thousand flights could be cancelled across Europe each day during strikes by air traffic controllers this summer.
The Times reports that controllers at Eurocontrol, the European air traffic management body, will walk out over holidays after talks over staffing, rotas and salaries broke down.
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Hide AdThe paper says strikes are set to be announced on Monday by the Union Syndicale Bruxelles (USB).
It quotes a letter from the union to managers, demanding the hiring of 20 more controllers and claiming a 25% shortfall in staffing.
The letter, seen by The Times, said: “As difficult as industrial action is on everyone, we see no other path forward than to inform you of our decision to progress [with strikes].
“Our case is lawful, strong and fair, and in the interest of the agency, the network manager, our stakeholders (operational and member states), the flying public at large and ourselves as loyal employees of the agency.”
More to follow.
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