Europe is bracing for a wave of strikes that could disrupt travel plans for millions. From Germany to Portugal, workers in various sectors are planning walkouts, demanding better wages and working conditions. While strikes are common in Europe, the timing of these upcoming actions coincides with the peak travel season, potentially causing significant inconvenience for tourists and business travelers alike.
Germany:
Discover airline pilots and cabin crew have voted in favor of indefinite strikes, impacting all Discover flights departing from Germany between August 27 and September 1. Discover connects Frankfurt and Munich to popular European and international destinations.Portugal:
Ground workers at Portuguese airports, represented by the Portuguese Transport Workers Union (Sttamp), are set to strike from midnight on August 31 until midnight on September 1. This action could lead to flight delays and cancellations at major airports like Lisbon and Porto. Travelers are advised to check their flight status with airlines before traveling.Italy:
While Italy prohibits transport strikes during peak summer months (July 27 to September 5), several strikes are scheduled after this period ends. On September 7, pilots and cabin crew at ITA Airways and Wizz Air, along with air traffic controllers and baggage handlers at various airports, are planning to strike from 1-5 pm. A nationwide rail strike is also planned for September 8, potentially affecting both regional and long-distance train services. On September 9, public transport staff across Italy are planning an eight-hour strike, with varying timings and impacts depending on the city. A 24-hour public transport strike is also scheduled for September 20.Alicante Airport:
Security staff at Alicante-Elche Airport in Spain have extended their strike beyond its initial five-day period. Additional strike dates include August 15, 16, 17, 18, 30, and 31. The airport will be affected between 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM local time on these days.UK:
Planned train driver strikes at London North Eastern Railway (LNER) scheduled for weekends between August 31 and November 10 have been suspended following a last-minute agreement. Minor strikes on the London Underground set for September 4 have also been canceled. In Scotland, threatened industrial action by train drivers at ScotRail has been postponed due to a new pay offer, which union members will vote on by September 25. However, a reduced number of services continues to operate as some ScotRail staff have been refusing to work overtime since July.France:
Workers on France’s Autoroutes du Sud (ASF) and Vinci motorways have launched strikes this summer in protest against declining staff numbers. Weekend walkouts earlier this month disrupted holiday travel. It remains unclear if additional strikes will occur in the coming weeks.Netherlands:
A public transport strike has been announced in the Netherlands’ largest cities for September 11, with the possibility of additional walkouts. The strike is timed ahead of the Cabinet’s budget proposal, as workers advocate for provisions to allow those in physically demanding jobs to retire earlier. Transport services in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam are expected to be affected.These planned strikes highlight the ongoing challenges faced by workers across Europe in securing better wages and working conditions. For travelers, staying informed about the latest strike updates and potential disruptions is crucial for planning a smooth journey. Checking with airlines, train operators, and official transport websites for the latest information is highly recommended.
