All flights at Charleroi airport are cancelled as a result of a 24-hour strike by the trade unions. Management had warned of potential disruption, but in the event, it turned out to be even worse than expected due to a blockade of the tarmac.
The airport and airlines had warned passengers in advance that there might be problems. The airport operator initially said it would ‘pre-emptively reduce operational capacity’ and recommended ‘flying with hand luggage only’ due to the strike call. It now appears that the entire airport is out of action. No flights will land or depart.
‘Due to strong union mobilisation, we cannot guarantee safety,’ Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) spokeswoman Nathalie Pierard told various media. ‘We regret that passengers have been taken hostage in this way by these wild actions.’ Passengers who have a flight today are advised not to go to the airport but to contact their airline.
Work pressure is critical
The industrial conflict centres on staff working conditions: work pressure is allegedly excessive due to absenteeism. Workers also complain about an ‘aggressive management’.
The unions submitted a strike notification last Wednesday. The notice covers most operational roles at the airport, for example baggage handling, check-ins and aircraft resupply. Still, the BSCA management said it was ‘very surprised’ that actions are taking place now, as the strike notification still has time to run and actions were only to follow from 19 September onwards, after the strike notification expired. The management says it regrets that ‘the unions are not fulfilling their commitment to industrial peace’.
The airport apologises to passengers for the inconvenience. The management adds that it is always open to social dialogue. A proposal to discuss issues received no response from the unions yesterday.