Negotiations to avert a strike by French air traffic controllers on Thursday have collapsed, as announced by their main union. The union predicts a significant turnout of staff on April 25, which may lead to numerous flight cancellations. The National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (SNCTA) states that negotiations with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation have failed, signaling a potential record mobilization and disruptions on the day of the strike.
The strike is planned to protest against the proposed air traffic control overhaul project that aims to reorganize the organization of air traffic control in France. This includes changes to territorial coverage of air navigation services, adjustments in controller work schedules to accommodate the expected increase in air traffic, and salary and hiring adjustments in return. The DGAC emphasizes that discussions are open until the deadline for declaring oneself a striker on Tuesday noon.
In the event of a controller strike, the DGAC requests airlines to modify their flight schedules departing from or arriving at French airports to align with the available personnel. This could potentially impact over 70% of flights at certain airports, especially with the ongoing spring school holidays. The DGAC typically releases forecasts the day before strike days, after requesting reductions from the airlines.
The looming strike and potential disruptions highlight the ongoing tensions between air traffic controllers and the administration over proposed changes to the industry. With negotiations at a standstill, the aviation sector and passengers are bracing for significant disruptions on Black Thursday.