Industrial action by French air traffic controllers set to cause continuing disruption

FOLLOWING industrial action earlier this week, French unions call for more protests and strikes across the country over two days next week.

The FCO said in an updated travel advisory: “On 21 and 23 September French unions have called for protests and #strike action across #France.

“This could cause disruption and delays to transport services including rail networks and some maritime ports.

“You should allow extra time for your journey and check your chosen operator’s website before you set off.”

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Spanish airport workers set for September strikes

A SERIES of #strikes has been called by Spanish airport workers over four days in September. The action is expected to affect airports in #Madrid, #Barcelona, #Alicante, #Malaga, and #Majorca from next Friday.

The airport handlers are due to walk out in the peak morning and evening periods on September 4, 11, 18, and 25.

The Workers’ Commission Union, one of the three unions involved, warned that easyJet and Vueling would be the airlines most affected.

The threatened stoppages – from 4.30am to 7.30am and 7.30pm to 9.30pm – are being blamed on a decision by handling firm Menzies Aviation Iberica to postpone a collective bargaining agreement.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22168167@N00/7484741668">Célébration espagnole</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Spanish flights delay warning; Eurotunnel entrance blocked by strikers

A WARNING of flight delays has been issued ahead of the latest planned strike by Spanish air traffic controllers this weekend. Airlines have been notified of a second wave of industrial action for three hours each day on Saturday and Sunday – a peak weekend for summer holiday travel.

It follows action by controllers in Spain on July 11 and 12.

Walkouts are planned between 10am and 1pm on Saturday and 5pm and 8pm on Sunday.

easyJet said: ‘We plan to operate our normal schedule and like all airlines flying to and from Spain, we expect to be impacted by moderate delays during this period as a result of the strike. We recommend that all customers flying to or from Spain on those dates check the status of their flight on our Flight Tracker page before going to the airport.’

Calais Eurotunnel entrance hit by fresh strike action

Eurotunnel has been hit by further problems as striking ferry workers set fire to tyres in Calais, blocking one of the entrances to the French terminal. Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing over the port as authorities worked to remove the blockade and repair the road this afternoon.

A statement on Eurotunnel’s website read: “The Maritime Nord Union has this morning blocked access to, and exit from our French Terminal in the Calais direction. Entry is still possible from the Boulogne direction following local diversions in place. If your arrival to check-in at Calais is delayed, please rest assured that we will accommodate you on the next departure with space available.’

Eurostar said its service was unaffected.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41407408@N00/332101971">3 Hour Line to check in at TAM</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/27119837@N06/8140636461">Eurotunnel - Le Shuttle</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Spanish air traffic control strikes imminent

THE start of peak summer flight schedules to Spain face disruption due to planned strikes by air traffic controllers over two weekends. Industrial action by Spanish air traffic staff is due to start tomorrow (July 11) and Sunday (July 12). 

A second walk-out is also threatened for the weekend of July 25-26.

Airlines are putting contingency plans in place to try to avert delays and cancellations.

easyJet said: ‘Like all airlines flying to and from Spain, if this action goes ahead, we expect an impact to our flights during this period. We would like to assure our passengers that we are preparing for any disruption if the strike does proceed and will do everything possible to limit the inconvenience of this on your journey.’

The latest strike action follows partial stoppages by controllers over four days in June.

The Spanish air traffic control service expects to operate 80% of services during the strike periods while talks continue with the air controllers’ union.

The dispute dates back to the dismissal of a controller in Santiago de Compostela and a wildcat strike by controllers in 2010.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40617296@N08/3888866534">Spain Flag</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)