Brussels Airline pilots to strike next week

Unions representing Brussels Airlines pilots have called to strike for Monday and Wednesday next week. These planned actions could leave the airline with an expected 34,000 passenger delays on Monday alone.

This strike comes after negotiations failed and unions were unsatisfied with measures put forward by the company. Talks included a 3% pay increase in 2019 and a possible similar increase the year after, extra days off for pilots aged over 60, and recognition of flight personnel as heavy jobs – which brings extra working rights.

Brussels Airlines advises passengers who have tickets for flights on 14 and 16 May to change their reservations free of charge or ask for a full refund. In the meantime, the company is working on an alternative schedule.

This is only the second time in 16 years Brussels Airlines pilots have gone on strike – striking for one day five years ago.