7 Travel Strikes That Could Disrupt Your Summer Vacation
Work stoppages disrupt popular destinations.
The Hollywood writer's strike has ground TV production to a halt, and although consumers won't feel the absence of their favorite shows for a few months, another series of strikes could disrupt your leisure time ASAP. Several unions in the global travel industry are walking off the job over pay and working conditions, particularly in Europe, where the New York Times says flight cancellations rose 65% in March compared to February.
And work stoppages are expected to continue this summer, interrupting service at some of the world's most popular—and most annoying when they're backed-up—destinations. Read on to find out more about seven travel strikes that could affect your getaway.
On June 7, the Telegraph reported that security guards at London's Heathrow Airport are planning to strike nearly every weekend during the summer. Considering that most travelers find getting through security in a timely manner miraculous under the best of conditions, there is the potential for serious delays at Europe's busiest airport.
More than 2,000 security workers will walk out for 31 days from June 24 until the end of August, the Unite union said. The Guardian said British holidaymakers are "bracing for travel chaos." According to EuroNews, the exact dates for the strikes are:
–June 24, 25, 28, 29 and 30
–July 14 to 16, 21 to 24, and 28 to 31
–August 4 to 7, 11 to 14, 18 to 20 and 24 to 27
The Unite union has warned that "travel chaos" may come to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports after workers voted in favor of a strike over pay. Workers could hit the picket lines in July if their requests aren't met by five companies that service the airport.
"If these companies don't come back with fair and decent offers then a summer of travel chaos is on the horizon," said Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer.
On June 4, workers on buses, trams, and metro lines walked off the job over conditions. According to Euro News, on July 7, public transportation staff across the country will strike for 24 hours. "Everything from trains to ferries and metro services is likely to face delays and disruption due to the walkouts," the news outlet said.
In Italy, baggage handlers, pilots and flight attendants have been striking regularly over pay.
On June 20, baggage handling staff at airports across Italy are scheduled to take a 24-hour walkout. Three of the country's largest transportation workers' unions will be joining the strike, so major airports will likely see disruptions. Check-in desks and baggage collection will be worst affected, but flights may also be canceled or delayed.
On July 15, staff at Italy's leading air traffic control operator ENAV are scheduled to strike for 24 hours, Euro News reported. The scale of potential disruption is unclear right now, but it could cause cancellations and delays at airports across the country.
It's a wait-and-see situation at the moment in France, where workers have been striking against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to raise the retirement age. During the last day of action on June 6, more than 400 flights across Europe were canceled because of air traffic controller strikes. No new strikes are planned at the moment, Euro News reports, but unions are scheduled to meet on June 13 to plan their way forward.
The New York Times reports that travel agents are advising their customers to pad their travel schedules with a few extra days in case their travels are disrupted. It's also a good idea to review your rights before you depart.
For example: According to European Union regulations, travelers flying into, out of, or within the EU are eligible for a refund or a replacement flight if their flight is canceled or delayed for more than three hours, the Times reports. Travelers delayed overnight may also be entitled to reimbursement for personal expenditures, such as food and lodging.
The U.S. State Department advises travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for notifications about strikes and other events in international destinations.