The threat of further strike action in France’s air transport sector this month has been lifted.

Four days of industrial action that disrupted Air France schedules last week saw the national carrier reportedly taking a hit of up to €40 million in lost revenue.

The stoppage was a protest against a government bill that would oblige every worker in the air transport sector to make a personal declaration of participation in a strike 48 hours before it was due to start, thus allowing airlines to plan a minimum service.

France’s main pilots’ union, the SNPL has majority representation at Air France, and last week, with other unions, it met with France’s transport minister to discuss the bill. It warned that unless it was withdrawn, there was a risk of another four-day stoppage later in February.

However, despite no agreement being reached and the unions claiming a “government refusal to negotiate", they have decided against a fresh strike for the time being – “not wanting to penalise air travellers during a holiday period,” they said in a joint statement yesterday.

The lifting of the strike threat is also a relief to Air France’s cargo business, with 70% of shipments now transported in bellyholds.

The bill was rejected by the French Senate this week, but the government is determined to fast-track it through parliament ahead of the Presidential election in April. 


Source : http://www.ifw-net.com