The National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (SNCTA) has announced that a “record mobilization” of staff is expected on April 25, resulting in numerous flight cancellations. This decision to strike follows the failure of negotiations with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) over an air traffic control overhaul project presented by the administration.
The project aims to reorganize the organization of air traffic control in France, including territorial coverage of air navigation services and the work of controllers to accommodate the anticipated increase in air traffic. In return, controllers are requesting salary increases and more hiring opportunities.
However, discussions between the SNCTA and DGAC have not resulted in a mutually agreeable solution, leading to this decision to strike. The DGAC emphasized that discussions are still possible until Tuesday noon, the deadline for declaring oneself a striker. If a controller strike occurs, airlines will be asked to reduce their flight programs to match the available personnel and planned aircraft movements. This could result in significant disruptions and delays at airports, potentially affecting more than 70% of flights in certain areas.
The strike is scheduled to take place while spring school holidays are still ongoing in some regions, adding to the potential impact on travelers. The DGAC typically releases forecasts the day before strike days, outlining the necessary flight reductions to be made by airlines. This situation highlights the importance of effective communication between airlines, air traffic controllers, and passengers to minimize disruptions during this period of strike action.
In conclusion, negotiations have failed to avoid a strike by French air traffic controllers on Thursday. The SNCTA announced that it will hold a “record mobilization” of staff on April 25 due to disagreements over an air traffic control overhaul project presented by the administration. The DGAC emphasized that discussions are still possible until Tuesday noon but if a controller strike occurs, there could be significant disruptions and delays at airports potentially affecting more than 70%
