Everyone dreams of a perfect European holiday. Be it gazing at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, savouring delicious pizzas in Italy, or indulging in the history of Scotland, European travels have a mysticism about them. Especially with the summer season upon us, most of us spend our days checking for available flights to a European wonderland. If you are one of those people, it is time to press pause on the plans. With transport strikes going on across the continent, travelling might not be as convenient as you would like it to be. Here is a comprehensive list of the ongoing strikes in Europe.
All You Need To Know About Ongoing Strikes In Europe
1. France
Even since January, French people have been protesting against the recent change in the retirement age in the country. Earlier, it was set at 62, and now it has been increased to 64. As many air traffic controllers were part of the strike, Ryanair cancelled 400 flights. Even the public transport system in the country had been affected by the active participation of the workers in the protest.
2. Scotland
Unlike other European countries, the strike situation in Scotland has finally been settled. Even though various strikes were scheduled to happen, they were cancelled after an 11-12% raise was offered to staff at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.
3. England
Raising their voice to a raise in pay, security staff at London Heathrow Airport have decided to go on strike. Over 2,000 people originally decided to go on strike for 31 days. The number of days has been reduced to 29 days to give the authorities time and opportunity to revise the pay structure. These strikes are scheduled to happen every weekend until the end of August. Airport workers at Birmingham Airport are also planning to go on strike. Certainly, travelling to England isn’t going to be easy.
As per the recent news, EasyJet has cancelled 1,700 flights due to air traffic control concerns, affecting Gatwick Airport in July and August. Strikes at Birmingham airport are deferred for ground workers, but an indefinite strike from 15 August is likely due to refuelling staff rejecting a pay offer, affecting flights with TUI, easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa, and Emirates. UK train drivers will halt overtime from July 31 to August 5 and 7 to 12. It will affect numerous trains except London Underground and Elizabeth Line; check the National Rail website for updates.
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4. Sweden
Starting July 3, the Swedish Transport Workers’ Union has also decided to go on strike. This protest against the wage structure will last for at least 3-5 days if their demands are not met.
5. Italy
Union rail operations, public transport, and airlines in Italy have announced their strikes. Particularly on July 7, public transport and airport ground staff are scheduled to go on strike. This will not only result in flight delays but will also be inconvenient for tourists already in the country. Italy’s main air traffic controller operators are also scheduled to go on strike on July 15.
6. Spain
The strikes of Spanish pilots against Air Europa have been going on for some time now. Their third round began on June 19. Even though a compromise about the pay structure was made, the deal fell through on June 8. This walkout will last for two weeks, and so far, it has resulted in many flights being cancelled. As per the recent updates, at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, the unionised security employees have announced a strike that will last until August 10. Weekly walkouts are anticipated from Thursday through Monday. Travellers should be ready for unexpected delays in security procedures as a result.
7. Germany
For the same reasons, railway and public transport workers have been on strike against the authorities. Especially after a prospect’s deal fell through, it will likely result in more walkouts.
With so many strikes going on across Europe, it certainly seems like a difficult time to plan a trip.
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