Pilots at Belgian flag carrier Brussels Airlines have postponed their strike planned for 23 to 27 March. Unions announced the postponement “to give talks every chance” after consultations with management.
During the consultations, which are mainly about the pilots' wages, "sufficient progress was made to give the talks a chance", explained Tim Roelandt of the liberal union, the ACLVB. The same sentiment can be heard from the socialist union, the BBTK, and the Christian union ACV Puls.
Unions and management meet again on Wednesday. The hope is that a final agreement can then be reached. But "if it does not come to an agreement on Wednesday or it does not go in the right direction", the strike threat returns possibly from as early as 27 March unions warn.
Wage restoration
The industrial conflict, which led to the announcement of the pilots' strike last Friday, has been dragging on for several years.
The pilots are seeking wage restoration after they accepted a wage cut during the pandemic, especially now that the airline is doing better.
On Monday, management and unions reached a preliminary agreement on more pay for cabin crews at Brussels Airlines. The deal will now be submitted to the union membership.