Charleroi airport staff threaten strike action until 5 October

Charleroi airport is facing strike threats for the next two weeks due to a disagreement between unions and management over a €750 ‘purchasing power bonus’.

The joint unions at Brussels South Charleroi Airport have issued a strike and action notice for a period of 15 days that was confirmed by union secretary Yves Lambot.

Lambot said that airport management announced several months earlier that all employees would receive a bonus, which should have been made in April, but BSCA delayed in signing an agreement on the matter.

In September, the issue was back on the negotiating table and, according to the unions, management indicated that the bonus would be adjusted to take account of part-time working.

“For some employees, the adjustment would reduce or eliminate the bonus,” Lambot said, adding that staff have reacted badly, accusing management of being dishonest.

The SETCa, FGTB, CSC-Transcom and CNE unions therefore gave 15 days' notice of strike action.

A work stoppage could disrupt passenger and baggage check-in as well as tarmac activities such as baggage handling and aircraft refuelling.

The management of Skeyes, which manages the Belgian airspace, said it was very “surprised” by the strike notice and will begin the conciliation procedure in order to listen to the grievances of the workers' representatives.

A further meeting is already scheduled between management and the unions.

The strike notice runs until 5 October and unions will be informing and consulting their supporters on developments in the situation.