Heathrow Border Force, Gatwick catering woes and French ATC: The travel strikes hitting Europe in April and May
Editor's Note
We always hope your travel will be trouble-free, but there are strikes and other disruptions across Europe to look out for in the coming weeks.
If you plan to travel during these dates and need advice, read our guide to insurance policies and strike coverage. Additionally, find out what you may be entitled to in terms of compensation if your flight is delayed or otherwise affected.
Here are the strikes to be aware of in the U.K. and Europe.
Related: The best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance — and what it actually covers
Heathrow Border Force and refueling worker strikes
When: April 29-May 2, May 3-18 and May 4-6
First, it was on, then it was off. Now, it's back on again: Border Force workers — the staff members who carry out immigration controls and passport checks — based at London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) are set to walk out between April 29 and May 2. The four-day strike action has the potential to cause serious disruption to international flights.
In addition to those dates, there will be a "work to rule" strike between May 3 and 18, when workers will only carry out essential tasks.
The strike involves members of the Public and Commercial Services Union, with 90% of its members voting in favor of the walkouts. The strike is over disputes regarding the U.K. government's planned changes to schedules and shift patterns.
Adding further woe at Heathrow, about 50 refueling workers will also stage a 72-hour strike to protest benefit cuts between May 4 and 6.
Catering workers for EasyJet and Tui at Gatwick Airport
When: April 26-29, May 3-6 and May 10-13
Around 100 Dnata catering staff, including drivers and warehouse workers, will walk out on three consecutive weekends in April and May. The walkouts will affect services on EasyJet and Tui Airways flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
The strikes — which involve about 100 workers — are due to take place April 26-29, May 3-6 and May 10-13.
Related: You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren't
Air traffic controller strike in France
Air traffic controllers at French airports are threatening to strike April 25. While the strike could be averted, the clock is ticking; the staff only has until April 23 to call off the strike. If the strike goes ahead, it could disrupt up to 70% of flights arriving at the country's major airports and passing through French airspace.
France transport strike notice
When: Feb. 5 to Sept. 9
Staff members employed by the state-owned Ile-de-France bus and metro network commenced a seven-month strike notice period in early February over pay. If they don't come to an agreement during this period, the strikes could likely take place during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Bottom line
One thing worth remembering about strikes is that nothing is certain, and it's always possible that unions and employers will reach a deal.
However, the current economy can be challenging. Workers are struggling through the deepening cost of living, and travel companies are desperate to appease shareholders. The pressures on both sides of the fence seem unlikely to evaporate anytime soon.
The chances of more strikes across the travel sector are high. Keep an eye on these dates and plan accordingly.
Related reading:
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- Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without