Europe is currently experiencing widespread strike actions as workers protest against low wages and poor working conditions. These strikes have significant implications for summer travel plans, with disruptions expected across various countries. It is crucial for travelers to stay informed about the strike locations, timelines, and potential disruptions to avoid inconveniences. This article provides detailed information about the ongoing strikes in Europe during July, highlighting the affected countries and the anticipated impact on travel.

France: Travellers Warned about Ongoing French Protests

Strike Description: Unions in France have been engaged in a battle against the increase in the legal retirement age from 62 to 64. These protests emerged following President Emmanuel Macron's decision to implement the change without a parliamentary vote. The strikes, which started in January, have had a substantial impact on travel, particularly due to air traffic controller strikes.

Recent Impact: Budget airline Ryanair had to cancel 900 flights in June due to the ongoing strikes. While the pace of industrial action has slowed down, it is important to note that the impact of air traffic controller strikes can persist.

Safety Concerns: Violent protests, triggered by the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzou, have led the UK, US, and Germany to issue warnings to travelers planning to visit France. Authorities advise monitoring the media, avoiding areas of riots, and following the guidance of local authorities. Recent demonstrations in cities like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Grenoble, Lille, and Toulouse have turned violent, with clashes with police, arson, and looting incidents.

Scotland: Glasgow Airport Workers Set to Strike

Strike Description: Unite the union has announced 24-hour strikes on July 6th and 11th by Glasgow Airport workers. The strikes are a result of failed negotiations regarding improved pay offers from OCS Group, the provider of facilities management services. These walkouts will impact services supporting passengers with mobility issues, including those requiring wheelchair assistance.

Resolution at Other Airports: Strikes at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports have been called off after agreements were reached with the unions. Staff at these airports accepted pay rises ranging from 11% to 12%.

England: Summer Strikes at London Heathrow Called Off

Strike Description: Security staff at London Heathrow Airport called off planned strikes after accepting a pay offer. Over 2,000 staff members were scheduled to strike for 31 days during the summer, coinciding with the school holidays and the August bank holiday in the UK. The cancellation of strikes ensures a smoother travel experience for passengers.

Potential Strikes at Birmingham Airport in July

Strike Description: Approximately 100 staff members at Birmingham Airport, including security guards and technicians, are voting to strike over pay issues. If the vote is in favor of strikes, passengers may experience delays starting from July 18th. The strike action is expected to continue indefinitely, impacting security and terminal maintenance. Airlines such as Wizz, Ryanair, Lufthansa, and Emirates could face delays.

Airport's Response: Birmingham Airport maintains confidence that the impact of any industrial action will be limited, and they do not anticipate any flight cancellations.

Rail Strikes Across the UK in July

Strike Description: The RMT Union has scheduled strikes on July 20th, 22nd, and 29th, affecting 14 different rail operators across the UK. Previous walkouts by the union have caused significant disruptions to train services nationwide.

Traveler Guidance: It is important for travelers to check the National Rail website before embarking on their journeys as not all services will be canceled during the strike period.

Sweden: Security Strikes at Airports in July

Strike Description: Strikes planned by the Swedish Transport Workers' Union at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Bromma Stockholm Airport, and Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport have been called off. The union and industry body Almega Security Companies reached an agreement on improved pay and scheduling policies, resulting in the cancellation of strikes initially scheduled to begin on July 4th.

Italy: Strikes Across Public Transport and Airports in June and July

Strike Description: Strikes in the Italian transportation sector, including airlines, rail operators, and public transport, are common during the summer. Unions representing staff members have already announced several strikes this year, resulting in regional disruptions.

Traveler Advisory: Regional transport companies are likely to experience disruptions due to walkouts, necessitating travelers to check for updates before their journeys.

Nationwide Public Transport Strikes: On July 7th, public transport staff across Italy will engage in a 24-hour strike. Trains, ferries, and metro services are expected to face delays and disruptions. The level of disruption may vary across cities and services, requiring travelers to contact their service providers for specific information. The strike will be in effect from midnight on July 6th until the beginning of service on July 7th, with additional disruptions occurring from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm to midnight. However, minimum service will be guaranteed during certain periods.

Train Strikes for Trenitalia and Italo: On July 13th, national rail operator Trenitalia and private operator Italo will undergo a 23-hour strike. Delays, cancellations, and disruptions are expected throughout the rail networks, varying by region. Both companies are likely to maintain minimum services during the strike, although further details are yet to be released.

Ground Staff Strike at Major Airports: On July 7th, concurrent with the nationwide public transport strike, ground staff at major Italian airports, including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Florence's Amerigo Vespucci, will participate in walkouts. These strikes may lead to delays and disruptions at the affected airports.

Air Traffic Controllers' Strike: On July 15th, Italy's main air traffic control operator ENAV will go on strike for 24 hours. The exact impact of this strike is not yet clear, but it may result in flight cancellations and delays across the country.

Spain: Daily Strikes from Airline Staff

Strike Description: Since June 6th, the Spanish Union of Airline Pilots has been carrying out a daily indefinite strike against Air Nostrum, the regional airline operated by Iberia. The strike has already caused the cancellation of 20% of the airline's flights and led to delays for other flights.

Ongoing Strike: The strike is currently taking place on weekdays, and no resolution has been reached in the negotiations thus far.

Germany: Further Rail Strikes Possible

Strike Description: The EVG trade union, representing railway and transport workers in Germany, has conducted a series of warning strikes this year to demand higher wages. These strikes have impacted Deutsche Bahn train services and other rail routes. Following the collapse of wage talks in June, more walkouts are anticipated. Union members will soon vote on the possibility of an unlimited strike.

Potential Timing: Dates for the strikes are yet to be announced, but if no agreement is reached, strikes are likely to occur in the autumn. This timing aims to minimize disruptions during the holiday season.

Lufthansa Strikes Possible in July

Strike Description: Lufthansa pilots are currently evaluating a new pay offer from the airline. The existing truce on strikes, which expires on June 30th, could lead to summer walkouts if the offer is rejected. Talks between the unions and the airline will determine whether industrial action takes place.

Belgium: Ryanair Staff Threaten Two-Day Strike

Strike Description: Two trade unions, CNE and ACV Puls, along with pilots' union Beca, have threatened to strike in Belgium on July 15th and 16th. The unions allege that Ryanair intends to cancel an agreement on working hours and rest, and they also highlight the ongoing 20% pay cut imposed by the airline since the beginning of the pandemic.

Strike Ultimatum: The unions have issued an ultimatum to Ryanair, demanding a serious proposal to address these issues by Friday, July 14th. If the airline fails to meet their demands, further strikes could occur until the expiration of the COVID-19 agreement in October.

Union Statement: In a press release, the unions expressed apologies to passengers who may be affected by these strikes. However, they emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of Belgian social dialogue.

Conclusion

The summer travel season in Europe is witnessing a significant number of strikes across various countries. Travelers must be aware of the strike locations, timelines, and anticipated disruptions to adequately plan their journeys. It is advisable to regularly check for updates from relevant transport providers and authorities to mitigate the impact of these strikes. By staying informed, travelers can make alternative arrangements or adjust their itineraries accordingly, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.