The union representing Air Traffic Controllers in the EU is threatening a strike that could cripple Airline traffic on January 29. The strike potential is spread out through several countries in Europe and each strike has a different start time and duration (see below).
The strikes are in response to the Single European Skies 2+ (SES2+) initiative set forth by the EU that promises to result in thousands of lost jobs in the ATC sector throughout Europe. The union representing the controllers insists that the SES2+ will create a dangerous operating environment for airlines and passengers transiting EU airspace.
The strike may result in over 14,000 controllers in Slovakia, France, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Hungary and other countries walking off the job to voice their protests on the 29th and 30th. German controllers have chosen to not participate in the strike.
If your travels involve flying in and around Europe on the 29th and 30th, you may want to have a contingency plan in place. Perhaps becoming familiar with railroad timetables from Deutsche Bahn & EuRail may be helpful in discovering options. The EuRail website does a good job in covering most European Railway systems.
Here is the latest from EuroControl as far as strike timing is concerned for next week (cut/pasted from EuroControl website):
ATCEUC called the EU strike for the 29th Jan.
European Transport Federation called for a strike on 30th Jan 2014.
Italy
29th Jan: Union called strike from 1200-1600 UTC.
30th Jan: Unions called strike from 1400-1415 UTC.
Following NOTAMs have been published : A0397/14 and A0398/14.
France
Cancellation of French Strike between 27th to 31st, but participating to the action on the 30th January, times of action to be defined.
DSNA teleconference will take place on Tuesday 28/01 at 0830 UTC.
Germany
Industrial action cancelled.
Portugal
Portuguese ATCO Union called for a strike on 29th January between 0700-0900 and 1400-1600 UTC.
Following NOTAMs have been published for 29/01: A0128/14-A0134/14 and A0135/14-A0139/14.
On the 30/01, AIS/COM and Maintenance staff may participate in an industrial action, some disruptions on those services may occur between 1300-1500 UTC.
Following NOTAMs have been issued for 30/01 : A0177/14-A0185/14.
Slovakia
ATCO Union has announced participation to the strike on 30th January for 2 hours between 0800-1000 UTC.
Czech Republic
ATCO Union has announced participation to the strike on 30th January between 0600-1800 UTC. “Working strictly according to the paper.”
Hungary
Based on the preliminary discussion with ATCO Union on 30th January for 2 hours between 0800-1000 UTC is planned.
Austria
ATCO Union has announced participation to the action day on the 30th January for 2 hours between 0800-1000 UTC.
Cyprus
ATCO Union has announced participation to the strike on 29th January for 4 hours, between 1300-1700 UTC.
