French air traffic controllers plan strike in pay dispute

French air traffic controllers look set to go on strike on September 18-19 in a dispute over pay.

Last week, France’s SNCTA air traffic controllers union said it has filed a notice for the walkout.

It said in a statement that it has been warning France’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) and public authorities about two issues – the need for pay to keep pace with inflation and the governance of the operations department.

“It is clear that this fruitless dialogue is now blocking any prospect of progress and reform,” said the statement.

The action is slated to start on Thursday, September 18, “from the start of morning duty until the end of night duty the following day”.

Reports noted the SNCTA union is the largest in France, with about 60% of French air traffic controllers.

In July, two days of strikes by French air traffic controllers in smaller unions led to costs of €120 million to the European aviation sector. The total comprised of €47 million in delay costs and an estimated €73 million in cancellation costs, according to Eurocontrol, the body responsible for air traffic control in Europe.

More: Two days of French ATC strikes ‘cost aviation industry €120m’