Belgian air traffic controllers strike grounds flights across Europe
A surprise strike by Belgian air traffic controllers today has grounded all flights at Brussels and Charleroi airports, disrupting hundreds of journeys across Europe. Skeyes, the state-owned air navigation service, confirmed the walkout began without prior notice, forcing airlines to cancel more than 100 departures and arrivals by mid-afternoon . The strike follows months of stalled wage negotiations, though no further details on demands or duration have been released.
Portugal braces for its largest labour action in years tomorrow as a general strike called by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) threatens to paralyse key sectors. Transport, healthcare, education, and public services will face severe disruptions, with Euronews reporting that protests began as early as today in some regions . The strike, announced on May Day, opposes recent changes to Portugal’s labour laws. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, however, claims most workers will ignore the call, citing low participation in past actions.
In Norway, retail giant Ikea faces a potential strike from Sunday if mediation fails. The Norwegian United Federation of Trade Unions (Fellesforbundet) has warned that walkouts could extend to other major retailers, though Ikea says it plans to keep stores open with non-union staff . The dispute centres on pay and working conditions, with negotiations ongoing under the country’s national mediator.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s health service faces critical disruptions next week as 25 cardiac perfusionists—specialists who manage blood circulation during heart surgery—prepare to strike over pay. Hospitals warn that non-emergency procedures may be cancelled, though emergency cases will proceed with contingency staff . The strike follows a breakdown in talks with the Health Service Executive (HSE) over wage disparities compared to other medical professionals.
The wave of industrial action reflects broader tensions over wages, working conditions, and legislative reforms across Europe. In Portugal, the CGTP’s strike marks the first major test of Montenegro’s centre-right government, which has vowed to push through labour market liberalisation despite union opposition. Belgium’s air traffic controllers, meanwhile, have a history of wildcat strikes, with similar disruptions last year grounding flights for nearly 24 hours. Norwegian unions, facing a tight labour market, are increasingly targeting high-profile employers like Ikea to secure concessions. With no immediate resolutions in sight, further strikes are expected in the coming weeks.
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Air traffic control strikes in Belgium halt air traffic, airport says reut.rs/4x5dIW8
bluesky bot · 5 days ago
Montenegro convicto de que esmagadora maioria vai trabalhar durante a greve geral CGTP convocou uma greve geral para esta quarta-feira, em protesto contra as alterações à lei laboral. Primeiro-ministro acredita que a maioria dos trabalhadores não irá aderir.
publico · 5 days ago
Fare for Ikea-streik – planlegger å holde varehusene åpne En rekke store handlesteder kan rammes av streik fra søndag, om partene ikke blir enige hos Riksmekleren.
aftenposten · 5 days ago
Heart surgeries at risk of cancellation next week as cardiac specialists to strike over pay 25 perfusionists, medical staff who manage the circulation of blood and oxygen for patients while the heart is temporarily stopped during surgery, are expected to strike next week.
thejournal · 5 days ago
Grevă generală, miercuri, în Portugalia: angajații din transporturi, sănătate, educație, servicii publice și industrie ies în stradă Portugalia se confruntă miercuri cu o grevă generală, perturbările începând deja de marți. O gamă largă de sectoare – de la transporturi la educație, sănătate și servicii publice – vor fi afectate de protest. Greva a fost anunțată pe 1 mai, de Ziua Muncii, de către Confederația Generală a Muncitorilor Portughezi (CGTP) și se preconizează că va provoca perturbări majore în toată țara, anunță Euronews.
digi24 · 5 days ago
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gdeltproject.org · 5 days ago
![Belgium air traffic strike grounds hundreds of flights in major travel disruption for Europe Air traffic controllers at Skeyes, the Belgian company in charge of the skies over the country, have launched previously unannounced […]](https://euroweeklynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/shutterstock_2180631747-2-1024x640.jpg?type=local)
Belgium air traffic strike grounds hundreds of flights in major travel disruption for Europe Air traffic controllers at Skeyes, the Belgian company in charge of the skies over the country, have launched previously unannounced […]
euroweeklynews · 5 days ago
All flights to and from Brussels, Charleroi airports canceled due to surprise strike The absence of Belgian air traffic controllers at both hubs led to more than 100 flights being disrupted.
politico.eu · 5 days ago
All departures and arrivals to and from Brussels and Charleroi airports have been cancelled this afternoon due to an unannounced strike by Belgian air traffic controllers.
bluesky bot · 5 days ago
Fare for Ikea-streik til helgen En rekke store handlesteder kan rammes av streik fra søndag, om partene ikke blir enige hos Riksmekleren.
aftenposten · 5 days ago