Cancellations and delays at Charleroi Airport following surprise strike

An unplanned strike by unions at Charleroi Airport at 4.00 on Friday morning resulted in around 15 cancelled flights and delays are expected all day, reports Belga.

The surprise strike was supposed to be a one-hour work stoppage by all airport employees, including baggage handlers and check-in staff, but the action continued until 8.00.

Angry exchanges ensued between passengers and representatives of Setca (socialist union) and CNE (National Central of Employees) unions following the early morning flight cancellations. Flight delays are expected all day.

Workers at Brussels South Charleroi Airport are protesting against management attempts to lower wages. According to unions, management were warned of the risk of action due to the lack of progress in negotiations at a meeting on Wednesday evening.

The unions also expressed disappointment at the use of “expensive” outside consultants and questioned ‘golden parachute’ deals awarded to former managers.