Europe’s travel strikes over the New Year period

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Places across Europe are likely to face the brunt of strikes and disruption of travel the New Year period.

Strikes are a regular occurrence in Europe, as employees withhold their labour to fight for better pay and conditions.

The workers sometimes plan the walkouts months ahead.

But others got the last minute announcement showing that it always pays to check before you travel.

Spain: Airport strikes in January

Iberia ground services staff will go ahead with strikes planned in the New Year after failing to reach an agreement.

After suspending industrial action planned in December, workers will walk out on 5-8 January.

It will affect all 29 airports where Spain’s flag carrier operates, including Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Seville and Valencia.

So far, 444 flights from Iberia, Iberia Express and Air Nostrum have been cancelled during the strikes.

It will occur over the Three Kings’ holiday. Passengers will have access to alternative flights.

The strikes have been called over working conditions and rights as workers are set to be outsourced to other companies.

The strikes could also affect flights with other airlines in the IAG group, including British Airways, Level, Aer Lingus and Vueling.

Airport security staff strikes in Alicante

Private security staff at Alicante-Elche airport are striking over working conditions and pay.

Ilunion Seguridad employees will walk out on 1-14 January.

Strike action will take place for two hours each day, from 8.45-9.45am and from 6-7pm, affecting security controls and baggage handling.

UK: London Tube strikes in January

The London Underground will grind to a halt in the new year as workers stage a seven-day rolling strike over pay.

Between 5-12 January, workers in various departments will strike on different days, bringing chaos to the network.

Commuters will be worst hit on 8-10 January. There may be severe shortage of staff in major stations.

Portugal train strikes

Portugal’s trains will grind to a halt on 2 and 4 January as workers go on strike. The walkouts could cause continued disruption on 3 and 5 January.

More than half of scheduled trains can face cancellations as a result of the strikes, but minimum services will be maintained.

France: Train workers call off New Year strikes

French rail unions SudRail and CGT des Cheminots agreed not to strike over Christmas and New Year.

Walkouts are still possible after the busy holiday period as disputes over pay continue.

Germany: Mass strikes could impact trains

Train drivers in Germany are in a long running dispute with train operator Deutsche Bahn over hours, pay and working conditions.

German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) sprang a ‘warning strike’ on the country’s public transport system in December.

Deutsche Bahn has since accused GDL of conflict of interest, saying it acts as an employer and a union at the same time after forming a temporary worker cooperative.

If backed by the court, the allegations will mean GDL can no longer conclude collective agreements with railway companies.

In the meantime, strikes could hit Germany’s rail network this month.

A five-day walkout threatened from 7 -11 January could impact Deutsche Bahn and the S-Bahn.

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