The reform of the framework for the right to strike of air traffic controllers in France is now enshrined in law, following its promulgation on Friday in the Official Gazette, at the end of a turbulent year in this sector. This modification of the general civil service code, the result of a law initiated by the centrist senator Vincent Capo-Canellas and supported by the Government, was considered compliant on December 21 by the Constitutional Council after having been adopted on November 15 by the Parlament. Requires any airline agent performing duties “the absence of which may directly affect the performance of flights” to individually declare their participation in a strike no later than noon two days in advance.
Until then, air traffic controller unions had to submit any strike notice five days before the strike, guaranteeing a “minimum service”, but strikers did not have to declare their individual participation, unlike other employees in the sector. Therefore, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) did not have reliable estimates on the number of strikers and could have had to ask airlines to cancel more flights than necessary to adapt the number of available controllers and the schedule. of flight operations. .
“An important first step to reduce inconvenience to passengers”
This law “represents an essential advance for companies and air travelers, regarding the right to strike guaranteed by the Constitution”, the Minister of Transport, Clément Beaune, rejoiced last week. The latter had mentioned on February 15 a change in the control of strikes by air traffic controllers after an “irresponsible” surprise strike that took hundreds of passengers by surprise four days earlier in Paris-Orly, in full mobilization against pension reform. This social movement had seriously disrupted air traffic during the first quarter, in France and indirectly throughout Europe.
On December 22, the airlines of the Old Continent described this reform as “an important first step to reduce inconvenience to passengers.” This year, “the majority of strike days (of air traffic controllers) recorded in the EU took place in France, that is, 67 in total. More than 4,000 flights were cancelled, 24,000 delayed and more than 11 million passengers arrived or headed to France, as well as those flying over the country,” according to the main association of European airlines, Airlines for Europe (A4E).
Source: BFM TV
