France has narrowly escaped further airport chaos. Indeed, on Sunday evening, following last-minute negotiations, the main air traffic controllers' union announced abandon the strike planned for 7 to 9 October. This decision avoids the cancellation of hundreds of flights across Europe. On average, some 600 flights are active in France every day…
La Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) had nevertheless prepared for a partial traffic paralysis. It had asked the airlines to reduce their flight schedules. Air France, easyJet and Ryanair had warned their customers of possible delays or cancellations..
The SNCTA, the majority air traffic controllers' union, had threatened to stop work to protest against wages, insufficient staff numbers and worsening working conditions.
The union leaders announced on Sunday evening that they were suspending the strike after what they considered to be constructive discussions with officials from the Ministry of Transport. The union points out that its decision also reflects " following the prime minister's announcements referring the finance bill to parliamentary proceedings "and "invites each controller to cancel as soon as possible". his prior declaration(s) of work stoppage.
However, for the DGAC resolve the many issues raised by the unions concerning the obsolescence of air traffic control in France. For several months now, the SNCTA has been denouncing the ageing equipment and the lack of staff. As a result, the workload is increasing.
