Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Travel to Germany will be affected if ATCs go ahead with strike

Posted by – Neelam Mathews
Aug 3, 2011

CANSO, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, representing the world’s air navigation service providers, has issued a statement in response to the industrial action by air traffic controllers in Germany planned to take place tomorrow between 0600 and 1200.

By refusing to work, the country’s air traffic controllers would effectively close one of Europe’s busiest airspace regions at the height of the holiday season. The impact would be felt not only by those travelling to and from Germany, but also by travellers right across Europe with up to 3,000 flights either cancelled or delayed.

“This is unacceptable. Aviation is a critical public service. With due respect to the air traffic controllers’ grievances, either perceived or actual, the interruption of air traffic services should not be used as a negotiating tool for any reason,” says CANSO.

Furthermore, the removal of air navigation services, even for a short time, will result in serious economic consequences for the airlines as well as the countless companies across Europe that rely on aviation for the timely movement of people, goods and services.

The planned six-hour strike follows the breakdown of lengthy salary negotiations between DFS, the air navigation service provider for Germany, and GdF, the union which represents 3,400 of the 5,500 DFS personnel.

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