Majority union lifts notice period for air traffic controllers strike scheduled for Thursday

A strike called for by all the air traffic controllers’ unions in aviation was expected to be widely followed on Thursday. However, the majority union SNCTA announced in a press release on Wednesday that it was lifting its notice of strike. The union stated that an agreement had been reached and that controllers could cancel their prior declarations of strike, despite the deadline having passed.

The strikes were initially called after negotiations failed on accompanying measures for an overhaul of air traffic control in France. This overhaul is aimed at increasing productivity, according to an SNCTA official. Prior to the notice being lifted, it was estimated that 75% of flights at Orly and 65% at Roissy Charles de Gaulle would be canceled on Thursday. On average, 60% of flights at all French airports were at risk of not operating.

The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) stated on BFMTV on Tuesday that the high percentage of cancellations was expected before the majority union’s announcement. This quick turnaround came after extremely last-minute conciliation talks that resulted in an agreement being reached.