The ongoing labor movement continues to wreak havoc on Europe’s major transport hubs and could upend the plans of travelers this summer.
Tens of thousands of flights and trains have been delayed or canceled in recent months as workers in European cities went on strike over wage disputes and working conditions. France and the UK have been hit particularly hard, with strikes protracted during the busy holiday season.
Due in part to the labor movement, flight cancellations in Europe rose 65% month-on-month in March and are expected to rise further as demand rises heading into the summer season. psyllium, Aviation analysis company.
Travel experts advise travelers booking summer trips to check to see if their flight and hotel bookings overlap with planned work activities. Security staff at London’s Heathrow Airport go on strike for several days each month. keep your calendar updated Planned disruption.In the UK, the National Railways operates scheduled trains The strike dates are until June.
In France, unions hold regular protests across the country against a bill introduced by President Emmanuel Macron to raise the retirement age by two years. Some tourist attractions were closed after violent clashes broke out between demonstrators and police. Air traffic controllers and employees of national rail operator SNCF have resigned several times this year and are expected to continue to do so in the coming months as lawmakers debate a pension bill.
In Italy, baggage handlers, pilots and flight attendants regularly go on strike over pay. A nationwide strike is planned for June 4, which will affect buses, trams and subways. Rail strikes across Germany have also caused widespread disruption.
The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to Smart Traveler Enrollment Program Recommendations regarding labor actions and other events at overseas destinations.
Travel agents are advising customers to budget for a few extra days in their itineraries in case they are affected by the disruption, even though they know the expected date of the strike in advance. Travelers should familiarize themselves with their rights before embarking on a trip. Under European Union rules, Travelers flying within, out of, or within the region are eligible for a refund or alternative flight if their flight is canceled or delayed for more than 3 hours. Travelers who are delayed overnight may also be entitled to reimbursement for personal expenses such as meals and accommodation.
Passengers are entitled to compensation of up to $660 if the cancellation is notified less than 14 days prior to the scheduled departure date. The same rules apply to travelers to the UK.
“If an airline strike disrupts a flight, the airline may pay $250 to $600 in compensation to make up for the inconvenience,” said Tomasz Paulisin, the company’s CEO. rice field. AirHelp is an aviation insurance claims management company based in Berlin.
This rule applies only where workers who take action are employed by the airline, including pilots, flight attendants, aeronautical engineers, or other employees who work directly for the airline. Strikes by other airport staff, including air traffic control and security, are considered outside the airline’s control.
