Fresh dates have been announced for next month, with the union extending strike action over several days.
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Air traffic controllers have postponed strikes that were set to cause travel chaos this September.
The SNCTA union has suspended strike action planned for Thursday 18 September and Friday 19 September due to the collapse of the French government.
A longer strike is now planned for next month, from the morning of Tuesday 7 October until the morning of Friday 10 October, to give the new French government a chance to consider the union's demands.
Representing about 70 per cent of France’s air traffic controllers, SNCTA is the largest ATC union in the country.
It says the walkout on the 18 and 19 September is "no longer compatible with the possibility of achieving demands due to a lack of interlocutors". The union adds that the absence of a minister of transport currently makes it "impossible to achieve demands at the ministerial level".
The strikes come after what the SNCTA described as a breakdown in dialogue with France’s Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).
In a statement this week, the union said, “For several years now, air traffic control governance has been characterised by mistrust, punitive practices and degrading management methods. It is clear that this fruitless dialogue is now blocking any prospect of progress and reform.”
Travellers could still face disruptions
Other strikes and demonstrations could still take place on 18 and 19 September. Unions had urged Air France staff to join planned protests, though pilot organisations are not taking part. Smaller air traffic control unions could also join planned walkouts.
The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) will publish its forecast of disruptions on 18 September, which will advise airlines of how many flights need to be cut.
Passengers are advised to check with their airline before they travel if they plan to fly on 18 and 19 September.
A second general strike, similar to the nationwide "block everything" protest on 10 September, has also been called for on 18 September, which could impact all forms of transport.
What previous strikes taught travellers
The last wave of industrial action, on 3-4 July, caused chaos across Europe.
More than one million passengers were impacted by strikes organised by the smaller unions UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT, according to European aviation coordinator Eurocontrol. Thousands of flights were cancelled.
Low-cost carrier Ryanair claimed the disruption cost airlines over €100 million, blaming the strikes on “hopeless mismanagement.”
While the SNCTA sat out the July strike, it appears to have taken a 180-degree turn, sparking concerns that September’s disruption could be even greater due to the union's size and influence.
Union calls for pay rise and management reforms
The SNCTA is calling for wages to be adjusted for inflation and for “a profound change in the management of operations” at the DGAC. It also made clear that the strike amounts to a last resort.
“On numerous occasions, the SNCTA has favoured social dialogue and made concrete proposals,” the union pointed out in a statement earlier this month.
Even if other unions do not join, the action could affect thousands of flights. Passengers are being urged to check schedules regularly, contact airlines before travelling and allow extra time for connections, with long delays and cancellations expected across Europe.
