Strikes in Europe: tourists can expect disruptions and delays to selected flights
Strikes are a common occurrence in Europe. It is a way for workers to demand better working conditions and higher wages. Tourists plan their departures and arrivals several months in advance, but they may be notified of delays or cancellations at the last minute. Therefore, it is important to know all the details to avoid spending a lot of time at airports or train stations and ruining your vacation.
Euronews Travel has gathered the necessary information on where and when strikes will take place and how they will affect transportation in the country.
Spain: Airport Strikes in January
Employees of the Iberia airline continue to strike as they cannot reach an agreement. The protest will take place on January 5-8. The strikes were announced over working conditions and rights as workers are going to be transferred to other companies. This will affect all 29 airports where the Spanish flag carrier operates, including Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Seville, and Valencia. Currently, 444 flights of Iberia, Iberia Express, and Air Nostrum have been canceled during the strike. Passengers have been offered alternative flights.
Airport security workers are on strike in Alicante.
The workers are striking to demand higher pay and better working conditions. The strike will take place from January 1 to 14. Each day, the strike will last for two hours, from 8:45 to 9:45 am and from 6 pm to 7 pm local time, affecting security and baggage handling.
UK: London Underground to go on strike in January
The London Underground will be shut down as workers go on strike for seven days over pay. It will take place from January 5 to January 12. As a result, the network will be in chaos. Passengers will suffer the most on January 8-10. A shortage of staff is expected on these days.
Portugal: Railroad Strike
In Portugal, trains stopped due to two large-scale strikes that took place on January 2 and 4. According to The Portugal News, the strike by Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) employees led to the suspension of 140 trains out of 252 planned (55.6%), according to the carrier, between 00:00 and 08:00 on January 2, 2024. Minimal services were still provided to passengers.
Italy: Cargo handlers strike in Milan
On January 8, baggage handlers at Milan Linate and Malpensa airports went on a 24-hour strike. This may cause delays in check-in and baggage claim. On the same day, security personnel at various airports plan to strike, potentially causing delays at major airports in Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo, and Florence Amerigo Vespucci.
Nationwide public transport strike in Italy
On January 24, public transport in Italy will be affected by a 24-hour strike. This may cause difficulties for passengers using buses, trams, and subways, but regional and intercity trains are not expected to be affected. On the same day, air traffic controllers are expected to be off duty from 13:00 to 17:00, which could potentially delay flights to and from Italy.
France: New Year's strike by railroad workers canceled
The French railroad unions SudRail and CGT des Cheminots have agreed not to strike on Christmas and New Year's Day. However, strikes are still possible after the busy holiday period as disputes over wages continue.
Germany: Railroad strikes
Train drivers in Germany have been involved in a long-running dispute with train operator Deutsche Bahn over hours, pay, and working conditions. In December, the German Association of Train Drivers (GDL) announced a "warning strike". Since then, Deutsche Bahn has accused the GDL of a conflict of interest, claiming that it is acting as an employer. If the court upholds the accusation, GDL will no longer be able to enter into collective bargaining agreements with railroad companies. Strikes may occur in Germany. The five-day event, from January 7 to 11, may affect Deutsche Bahn and S-Bahn services.
