Brussels Airlines pilots threaten four-day strikes from 23 March

Brussels Airlines pilots are threatening to organise strikes "in blocks of four days" from 23 March, the CNE union has announced.

These four-day block strikes would be organised randomly "once or twice a month", but passengers would always be given a week's notice, explained Didier Lebbe, a union official at the CNE.

Lebbe clarified that the timeline of 23 March does not necessarily mean a four-day strike will start on that specific day, but rather that one could be organised from that point on.

The announcement follows a recent and unsuccessful mediation procedure between pilots and management, which pilots called for after citing a lack of progress in direct negotiations concerning their pay conditions.

Cabin crew could also go on strike for four days if meetings scheduled for this week prove similarly unsuccessful.

“If the talks come to nothing, it’s likely that the cabin crew will coordinate with the pilots to strike at the same time or alternately,” said Lebbe, adding that recent statements by management in the media “have not helped to ease tensions”.

In the case of cabin crew, the demands are more "qualitative", regarding timetable adjustments, rest periods and other work arrangements.