We’re heading for a nasty Christmas for travellers – as pretty much everyone is going out on strike.
Let’s start with the biggy: British Airways
To Pay, To Fly – British Airways Mixed Fleet Crew to Strike
It seems the fleet crews who fly Mixed Fleet have had enough, calling for a strike on the 25th and 26th December 2016 in a strike over pay, affecting over 4500 members of staff.
Good luck catching one of these if your route is operated by Mixed Fleet – British Airways A320 – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
Long Haul flights, Gatwick operations and London City operations will be unaffected, with short-haul taking the brunt. A full timetable is due shortly. Stay tuned…. this could turn ugly.
Red hot Strike – Virgin Atlantic Strikes
Pilots of Virgin Atlantic will be “working to contract” in a dispute over union recognition by the airline
Might be a little less than red-hot – Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The action takes place from 23rd December, with pilots working to contract – with a possibility that flights may not be covered according to the PPU.
Expect short notice cancellations at best.
Ground handling? Good luck with that. Swissport workers to walk out
Everyone’s favourite ground handling company Swissport will have its workers heading out on strike on the 23rd December for 48 hours.
The strike is over… you guessed it. Pay and conditions.
Swissport has a presence at Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester airports.
Contingency plans are yet to be declared – although Ryanair is mooting that if they do strike, their flights may be restricted to Hand luggage only.
Oh, and Southern Rail too.
Haven’t we been here already this week at least twice? Members of RMT are out on strike over proposed Driver only operation on Southern Rail services
Southern Class 377 Electrostar arriving at Clapham Junction – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Whilst not as bad as the strikes this week with the drivers going out on strike, this time it will be the conductors. The magic dates are:
- Monday 19 December to Tuesday 20 December
- Saturday 31 December to 23:59 Monday 2 January
There’s a lot to take in. As usual, keep up with your travel providers help pages to see how you’re going to be affected.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European readers.
