Paris airport workers announce strike ahead of Summer Olympics

Home
»
Stories
»
2024
»
July

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Global Industry News

Paris airport workers announce strike ahead of Summer Olympics

Research

Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

By Sky Industry News

Jul 8, 2024

Paris airport worker unions have announced a strike to begin on July 17, days before the Summer Olympics. The strike demands an "Olympics bonus" for all workers from the government-controlled company that operates both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.

This action is a coordinated effort by the CGT, CFDT, FO, and UNSA unions, timed to create significant disruption ahead of the July 26 start date of the Olympics. A previous strike call on May 19 was less effective.

French government worker unions are broadly demanding extra pay during the Olympics, which overlaps with France's summer holiday period. This includes police, air traffic controllers, trash collectors, metro and train drivers, and firefighters.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The French Senate adopted a bill on April 9 allowing the state to ban transport strikes during major events like the Paris Olympics. This bill also called for more advance warning of strikes and increased minimum service obligations. However, it has not been adopted by the French National Assembly. In an interesting political twist, the left-wing New Popular Front won most seats in national elections this month despite receiving fewer votes than right-wing National Rally and allied parties.

Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party received most votes in France’s recent election but won only the third highest number of seats.

Air France has expressed concerns that the Olympics is negatively impacting profitability. While hotels are benefiting financially, business travel remains low and many leisure travelers are avoiding trips. This situation raises broader questions about France's position in global tech markets compared to countries like the U.K.