Strikes are a common occurrence in Europe, with employees often withholding their labor to fight for better pay and working conditions. These walkouts can be planned well in advance or announced suddenly, so it is important to stay informed on strike information before traveling. In the UK, Heathrow Airport is facing disruptions due to Border Force worker strikes in April and May, with potential layoffs causing major disruptions for international arrivals. Gatwick Airport is also facing strikes as catering workers on easyJet and TUI flights plan to strike over pay disputes. Additionally, train strikes in the UK are causing localized disruptions in April and May, impacting various train services.
Belgium’s Charleroi Airport is also facing potential strikes as catering staff and baggage handlers are threatening to walk out in early May over concerns about working conditions. In France, there is a threat of strikes that could impact the Ile-de-France bus and metro network, including during the upcoming Paris Olympics. However, a bill has been introduced to ban transport strikes during major events to prevent disruptions. In Germany, the threat of various strikes has ended as agreements have been reached with both the GDL train drivers’ union and German union Verdi, resulting in the abstention of strikes until at least February 2026.
It is important for travelers to stay informed about potential strikes when planning their trips, as these labor disputes can cause significant disruptions and delays. Compensation or new tickets may be available to passengers whose flights or train services are cancelled or delayed due to strikes. Heathrow Airport in the UK is facing a series of strikes by Border Force workers and various staff members in May, while Gatwick Airport is also preparing for catering worker strikes on easyJet and TUI flights. Localized train strikes in the UK are expected to cause disruptions to various train services, including Avanti West Coast and Chiltern Railways.
Charleroi Airport in Belgium is facing potential strikes by catering staff and baggage handlers over working conditions, while France is at risk of strikes that could impact transportation during the Paris Olympics. Despite the potential disruptions, agreements have been reached in Germany to prevent strikes by train drivers and airport workers. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about potential strikes and labor disputes in their destination countries to avoid inconvenience and delays during their trips. If there is a strike happening in your country that we have missed, please contact us via Twitter to keep our guide updated with the latest information.
