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Niall Carson/PA Archive
Strike
Aer Lingus and Ryanair cancel more flights as protest spreads accross Europe
Workers in ten other countries are expected to stage protests today including work-to-rule action and public information campaigns.
AER LINGUS AND Ryanair were again forced to cancel a number of flights today as strike action by air traffic controllers in France continues.
Four Aer Lingus flights and another four Ryanair flights either to or from Dublin have been cancelled. In total, Ryanair has had to cancel over 200 flights across Europe.
Yesterday the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) said that controllers in ten other countries will stage protests today , such as working to rule.
The action started by workers in France is in protest against EU plans to create a single airspace for the union. Workers fear the proposals will affect safety and their employment conditions.
Speaking about the proposal yesterday, EU Transport Commissioner, Siim Kallas said the plan would strengthen “the nuts and bolts of the system so it can withstand more pressure and deliver ambitious reforms even in difficult economic times”.
Controllers in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal and Slovakia will work to rule, Francois Ballestero of the ETF said yesterday. Other forms of industrial action including public information campaigns will take place in Austria, Britain, Bulgaria, Hungary and Latvia, he said.
Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair are advising customers to check their website for updates throughout the day and for those who have had their flights cancelled, there are options change your booking online or apply for a refund.
- Additional reporting from AFP.
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