Disruptions at French airports as workers down tools over strike bill

Air traffic in France is expected to be disrupted on Monday as workers including pilots, flight attendants and ground staff begin a nationwide four-day strike over plans to introduce a new bill governing industrial action. 

Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes

Among other regulations, the draft law approved by France’s lower house last month, requires aviation workers to give 48 hours notice before taking strike action.

Ahead of Monday’s strike, the powerful SNPL pilots’ union said the movement would by well followed and a lot of people would be on strike.

"They are making a bet and I think Air France's bet is very optimistic," said Franck Mikula, head of the UNAC flight attendants union.

Leading French carrier, Air France, has insisted the effects of the strike will be limited claiming it will be able to run 80 per cent of its short- and medium-haul flights and more than 85 per cent of its long-haul flights.

A 11-day strike over the Christmas period by airport security personnel had little effect on air-traffic.

Aeroports de Paris, which runs the capital’s international airports, said it would mobilise teams of employees on Monday to help passengers deal with the strike. It advised passengers to check with their airlines before leaving to catch flights.