News

Air France pilots' strike called off

29 Sep 2014 by GrahamSmith

Air France pilots have called off their two-week strike so that negotiations with the airline can "continue in a calmer climate".

There is still no agreement between the carrier and pilots' union SNPL, which is protesting plans to transfer jobs to Air France subsidiary Transavia.

The industrial action has cost the airline hundreds of millions of euros.

It began two weeks ago and was originally scheduled to last for seven days (see news, September 15). Last Monday, the strike was extended until at least Friday, and possibly indefinitely (see news, September 22).

France's transport minister Alain Vidalies warned the industrial action could place the airline "at stake".

Now that the strike has been called off, Air France said it plans to speed up the development of Transavia, which it believes is vital for the wellbeing of the company at a time when low-cost airlines are thriving across Europe.

Air France said in a statement: "This ending of the conflict reinforces the company's determination to makes its economic model evolve in order to cement its leadership."

On Friday night, the airline rejected an offer by SNPL to end the strike if an independent mediator was appointed.

Air France said flights will "gradually return to normal" from Tuesday, but that those flights cancelled on Sunday and Monday would remain so.

airfrance.co.uk

Graham Smith

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