Paris Airport Workers Threaten Strike Amidst Olympic Games Despite Recent Agreement

Published on July 25, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Despite a recent agreement preventing an airport strike in Paris on 17 July, one union, Force Ouvrière (FO), is still threatening to walk out leading up to the Olympic Games. As a result, Paris Orly and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airports could face industrial action on the day of the opening ceremony.

The strike notice filed by FO, which represents 11.5 percent of workers at Paris airports, is set to begin at 5am on 26 July and last until 7am the following day. This action could disrupt operations at both airports during a critical time as the city prepares to host the Olympics.

Why Are Paris Airport Workers Still Threatening to Strike?

A recent deal between the CGT, CFDT, and UNSA unions and the Aéroports de Paris (ADP) group granted a €300 bonus for all staff, one of the unions’ key demands. However, the FO union argues that this concession does not go far enough. They are demanding an increase in bonuses to €1,000, among other pay-related demands.

While major disruption is not expected since other unions have not joined FO’s strike notice, the potential impact of the strike could be significant. The disruption will be minimized by a no-fly zone in place from 6:30pm until midnight during Friday’s Olympics opening ceremony to avoid disruption and improve security. During this period, airport landings will be suspended. Airlines have already canceled flights ahead of time to comply with the ban, and passengers have been informed and rerouted as necessary.

Travel Tips for Attending the Olympics in Paris

Paris is preparing to welcome over 15 million visitors during the Olympic Games between 29 July and 11 August. If you’re heading to the French capital, it is essential to plan your travel beyond the airport.

Many Olympic events will take place on the Seine River, leading to the closure of various streets and bridges near iconic monuments such as Notre Dame. Check the Paris City Hall website for the latest closures and disruptions, and the official Paris 2024 site for schedules and updates.

Additionally, you’ll find a list of metro and tram closures on the RATP website. Plan your route ahead of time and leave extra time for travel by public transport to account for closures and crowds. If possible, consider walking to your destination if it is only a short distance away.

Finally, download alternative navigation apps for your trip to Paris. Combining Google Maps with Citymapper and the official Bonjour RATP app will help you better monitor street closures, station closures, and traffic congestion in the city.