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27/05/2003
Travel chaos as French air traffic controllers strike
Travellers are facing a day of chaos as French air traffic controllers strike over pension reform proposals.
The walk out by the CGT union this morning forced the cancellation of 80% of flights to and from France. Making matters worse those travellers intending to get to France via ferry will find sea routes, particularly the Cherbourg route, disrupted by protesting French workers angered over proposed changes to pensions.
The strike action by air traffic controllers ends at 11pm tonight, but Air France was forced to abandon two-thirds of its medium-haul flights, mostly on European routes. Long-haul flights were said to be less badly affected.
Other operators have announced the suspension of many of their flights to France, and BA were hoping to operate a few flights.
The Channel Tunnel route was expected to be busier and operators Eurotunnel accommodated extra services to cope with the rise in demand.
Air passengers were being offered refunds or equivalent fares on another day.
The grievance lies in a bill going before the French Parliament that will extend the time workers would have to contribute to state funds in order to receive a full pension.
Workers are angry that this may mean that they have to work for longer in order to get a full pension before they retire.
The French government have said that the changes are necessary if the strain on the existing pension system is to be relieved.
French unions are deeply divided by the issue and the country’s second largest union has accepted that the bill is necessary.
(SP)
The walk out by the CGT union this morning forced the cancellation of 80% of flights to and from France. Making matters worse those travellers intending to get to France via ferry will find sea routes, particularly the Cherbourg route, disrupted by protesting French workers angered over proposed changes to pensions.
The strike action by air traffic controllers ends at 11pm tonight, but Air France was forced to abandon two-thirds of its medium-haul flights, mostly on European routes. Long-haul flights were said to be less badly affected.
Other operators have announced the suspension of many of their flights to France, and BA were hoping to operate a few flights.
The Channel Tunnel route was expected to be busier and operators Eurotunnel accommodated extra services to cope with the rise in demand.
Air passengers were being offered refunds or equivalent fares on another day.
The grievance lies in a bill going before the French Parliament that will extend the time workers would have to contribute to state funds in order to receive a full pension.
Workers are angry that this may mean that they have to work for longer in order to get a full pension before they retire.
The French government have said that the changes are necessary if the strain on the existing pension system is to be relieved.
French unions are deeply divided by the issue and the country’s second largest union has accepted that the bill is necessary.
(SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
