Holiday warning as strike could ruin Christmas flights – see if you’re affected

HOLIDAYMAKERS with plans for a winter break have been warned that strikes could ruin their Christmas getaways.

Cabin crew at Air France could be staging walkouts across the festive period, threatening to disrupt winter holidays.

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Should they go ahead, the strikes would take place from December 22, 2022 until January 2, 2023.

The warnings have come from French unions Union des Navigants de L’Aviation Civile (UNAC) and Syndicat des Navigants du Groupe Air France (SNGAF), who are seeking better working conditions.

The main issue revolves around the number of cabin crew members on Air France flights, with the airline looking to change the ratio from one flight attendant per every 48 passengers, to 1:51.

The airline has reportedly “taken note of the strike notice” but say discussions on an agreement are “due to continue beyond January 2023”.

Should the strikes go ahead, they would just be the latest in a long line of walkouts from the travel sector this year, with cabin crew, pilots and ground staff all contributing to disruption this year.

Earlier this month, a walkout at Heathrow was averted after unions were able to negotiate a new agreement.

Union Unite said that 700 staff, involved in ground handling, airside transport and cargo from both Dnata and Menzies would be staging three days of walkouts, clashing with the beginning of the World Cup.

Both Qatar Airways and Emirates would have been among the airlines affected, which could heap misery on tournament-going football fans, with the tournament starting in Qatar on November 20.

The strikes were due begin in the early hours this morning and last until the early hours of Monday, November 21. 

However, the UK’s ground handling & cargo operations arm at London Heathrow has confirmed a pay award for all employees.

Therefore, the proposed industrial action will no longer be taking place. 

Alex Doisneau, Managing Director, dnata UK, Airport Operations (Ground Handling & Cargo), told Sun Online Travel: “We are pleased to have reached agreement on this pay award, which reflects the huge respect we have for our employees in the UK.

“The agreed package, including both a pay increase and immediate support for the short term, provides concrete support for our employees amidst the current cost of living crisis.

“Dnata is heavily invested in the UK and we look forward to continuing our journey with our employees as we focus our efforts on strengthening our leading position in the market.”

Meanwhile, train workers are among a number of other groups of people set to be going on strike this winter.

Weather could also play a part in delaying travellers in the coming days.

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