Strikes are a common occurrence in Europe as employees voice their dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions by withholding their labor. These walkouts can be planned well in advance or announced last minute, making it essential for travelers to stay updated on strike information before embarking on their journeys. In response to strikes, affected travelers are usually entitled to compensation or alternative travel arrangements. For instance, in Germany, pilots and cabin crew at Lufthansa-owned airline Discover have voted in favor of strike action, with walkouts planned from August 27 to September 1. Similarly, airport ground workers in Portugal are set to strike on August 31 to September 1, potentially causing delays and cancellations at major airports such as Lisbon and Porto.
In Italy, the transport sector is prohibited from striking between July 27 and September 5, during the peak summer holiday season. However, several strikes are planned after this period, affecting various modes of transportation. For example, on September 7, pilots and cabin staff at Italy’s ITA Airways and Wizz Air plan to strike, along with other airport workers at key airports. A nationwide rail strike is scheduled for September 8, which could disrupt both regional and long-distance train services. Public transport strikes are also planned for September 9 and September 20, impacting bus, tram, and commuter train services across the country.
Security staff strikes at Alicante-Elche airport in Spain have been extended, causing disruption on multiple dates in August. While delays have not yet been reported, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport in advance to allow for possible congestion at security control. In the UK, planned train driver strikes at London North Eastern Railway have been suspended after reaching a last-minute agreement. Similarly, industrial action at Scotland’s ScotRail has been put on hold pending a new pay offer and impending union vote. France has seen motorway strikes by workers on Autoroutes du Sud and Vinci, affecting holidaymakers during the summer break.
In the Netherlands, a public transport strike has been announced in major cities on September 11, with additional walkouts possible in the near future. These strikes are part of workers’ demands for earlier retirement options for those in physically demanding jobs. It is essential for travelers to stay informed about strike action in their destinations and to check with their airlines and travel providers for updates on possible disruptions. If there are any major strikes happening in a particular country that have not been covered in the guide, travelers are encouraged to provide information via social media platforms for the benefit of others.
