Greek strike action completely unjustified, says airline association

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Holidaymakers, businesses and airlines are suffering again due to the four-hour stoppage by the Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association (Gatca).

Gatca is striking in a bid to drive reform of Greece’s air navigation system.

Simon McNamara, director general of the European Regions Airline Association, described the walkout as completely unreasonable.

“Gatca’s motives to drive reform may be well placed but using strike action to achieve them is not,” he said

“This action will be hugely disruptive to airlines and will cause misery to passengers at a time of peak demand.

“Under EU261 [compensation] rules airlines are obliged to pick up the associated costs of caring for and assisting their passengers during any disruption, despite the fact that the circumstances are beyond their control.

“Europe’s airlines and passengers continue to suffer at the hands of the ATC industry which resorts to inappropriate industrial action without concern for the wider impact of its actions on people and business.”