Fresh transport strikes hit UK, mainland Europe
UK rail workers are walking out over pay and job security, cutting services to about a fifth of schedules. European airline staff strikes are also disrupting flights.
Tens of thousands of rail workers in the UK have engaged in walkouts over pay and job security.
In the UK, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has orchestrated multiple days of industrial action. The impact on the national rail network has been severe, with only about a fifth of services operating on reduced hours. These trains begin later than standard schedules and conclude their operations as early as 6:30 pm. The union attributes this necessity to rising inflation, which has reached a 40-year high in the UK.
Media additions
"In a modern economy, workers need to be properly rewarded for their work, enjoy good conditions and have the peace of mind that their job will not be taken away from them."
Mick Lynch, secretary-general, RMT, via Digitaljournal
The rail operator perspective remains firmly opposed to the action. Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines stated:
"Unfortunately, the RMT’s decision to carry out another day of needless and premature strike action means our passengers will suffer again on Saturday. A fraction of trains will run compared to a usual Saturday service, with trains starting later in the morning and finishing much earlier in the evening."
Andrew Haines, chief executive, Network Rail, via MalaysiaNow
Beyond the national network, specific lines face long-term disruption. Avanti West Coast services have been subject to regular Sunday strikes, impacting connections between London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow. This particular action regarding rest-day pay is scheduled to continue periodically until May 25. Passengers who booked tickets before these strikes were announced on December 17 are entitled to travel on alternative dates or claim a full refund.
The travel chaos extends into mainland Europe, where budget airline staff have added to the instability. Ryanair employees in Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, and Belgium have initiated strikes, forcing the cancellation of international flights. In Belgium, the situation is exacerbated by monthly walkouts of airport staff, which specifically target major hubs like Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport. These actions involve both security personnel and baggage handlers protesting government pension reforms and labor conditions. Brussels Airlines has also faced significant disruptions, with a three-day strike forcing the carrier to cancel 60% of its flights.
The breadth of the disruption varies by region:
| Country | Primary Impact |
|---|---|
| Belgium | Airport staff walkouts on the 13th of every month; Brussels Airlines cancellations. |
| Germany | Security staff strikes at Düsseldorf and Cologne-Bonn; public transport stoppages in Berlin. |
| Greece | Air traffic controller strikes leading to nationwide commercial flight grounding. |
| Italy | Public transport strikes in major cities; baggage handling strikes in Venice and Bergamo. |
In Germany, the United Services Union (ver.di) has organized strikes affecting security staff at Düsseldorf and Cologne-Bonn airports, leading to mass flight cancellations. Berlin’s public transport system, including trams, buses, and the metro, has also been hit by 48-hour warning strikes. Meanwhile, Italy has seen widespread industrial action involving the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), which has affected metros, buses, and ferries in cities like Rome, Milan, and Turin. Venice has experienced reduced services on water buses, while baggage handlers at Venice Marco Polo Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport have also staged walkouts.
Greece faces its own specific challenges, with air traffic controllers joining nationwide strikes. These events have sometimes coincided with commemorations of the Tempe rail disaster, where public pressure for safety reform remains high. During such strikes, only essential flights—such as medical evacuations and humanitarian aid missions—are permitted to proceed.
The scale of the unrest reflects a broader struggle within the aviation sector as it attempts to recover from the pandemic. Staff shortages have led to significant operational limitations, most notably at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, which has mandated caps on traveller numbers for the summer season to mitigate the effects of long queues and frequent cancellations.
What to watch next
- Ongoing Rail Disputes: Sunday strikes on the West Coast Main Line remain active through May 25.
- Monthly Belgian Protests: Airport workers are expected to continue mass walkouts on the 13th of each month, protesting pension reforms.
- European Aviation Recovery: Passengers are advised to monitor official transport websites and airline announcements for real-time schedule changes.
