Sudden strike at Charleroi Airport on eve of Easter getaway

Security workers at Charleroi Airport blocked access to the terminal building for three hours on Thursday, leaving hundreds of angry passengers outside and causing many to miss their flights.

Police had to be called in to deal with the situation, after staff at Securitas called a wildcat strike at 11.00. They were protesting against a new draft agreement negotiated between unions and management over weekend overtime and bonus payments.

Some 14,000 passengers are expected to pass through Charleroi airport this weekend for the start of the Easter holidays. Travellers are advised to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled take-off as a precaution.

"We call on the good sense of Securitas management," said airport spokesman Vincent Grassa. "On Friday, thousands of travellers will have to pass security checks again and we want these travellers to have a stress-free departure."

Securitas said an agreement with unions had already been reached on Wednesday night and strike action was lifted until at least 23 April.

A union spokesperson said: "If there is a work stoppage in Charleroi, it must be because certain security agents do not consider the agreement satisfactory. It is a local decision."

Photo: Siegfried Muresan/Twitter