Strikes are a common occurrence in Europe, with employees often withholding their labor to fight for better pay and conditions. Some walkouts are planned months in advance, while others are announced last minute, making it important for travelers to stay updated on strike information before embarking on their journey. Our travel guide is constantly updated with the latest strike news, providing information on where and when walkouts are taking place. In the event that your flight or train is canceled or delayed due to a strike, you may be entitled to a new ticket or compensation, and our guide offers full details on what to do in such situations.
In Italy, the transport sector is prohibited from striking during the peak summer season between 27 July and 5 September, when most Italians are on holiday. This restriction helps to minimize disruption during a time when travel is most popular. However, in Alicante, Spain, security staff at the airport are set to go on a five-day strike from 1-4 August. The strike hours are expected to cause congestion at security control between 8.30am-9.30am and 6pm-7pm local time. Travelers flying in and out of Alicante during this period should be aware of potential delays and plan accordingly.
In Scotland, trains could be affected by strikes as ScotRail’s 1,300 drivers vote on possible industrial action due to a pay dispute with union Aslef. The proposed strikes have the potential to disrupt train services between major tourist destinations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness, and could coincide with events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. France has also seen summer strikes on the Autoroutes du Sud (ASF) and Vinci motorways due to protests over falling staff numbers. While weekend walkouts have already occurred, it is uncertain if further strike action will take place in the near future.
Despite threats of strike action at Paris airports ahead of the Olympics, workers reached a deal on pay, averting a potential disruption to air travel. The possibility of strikes affecting public transport during the Olympic Games in Paris in the future has prompted the French Senate to consider a bill allowing the state to ban transport strikes during major events. Workers at the state-owned public transport company are currently walking out over pay, and any strikes during the Olympics could impact the Ile-de-France bus and metro network. In the Netherlands, a public transport strike has been announced in the major cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam on 12 September, with more walkouts potentially to follow. Workers are advocating for earlier retirement options for those in physically demanding jobs as part of the Cabinet’s upcoming budget proposal.
With strikes affecting various modes of transportation across Europe, it is important for travelers to stay informed and prepared for potential disruptions. Our travel guide provides up-to-date information on strike announcements, allowing travelers to plan accordingly and navigate any travel challenges that may arise. If travelers become aware of any significant strikes in their country that are not listed in our guide, they are encouraged to reach out via Twitter to help ensure that others are informed and well-prepared for their journeys. By staying informed and proactive, travelers can better navigate the impact of strikes on their travel plans and minimize any inconveniences that may arise as a result.
