BRITS are being warned of two major travel strikes set to take place this weekend, affecting six major airports across Europe. Passengers are advised to brace for potential flight disruptions at Heathrow Airport in London and various airports in Portugal as border staff and ground staff prepare to walk out in protest.
Heathrow Airport Strike:
The first strike to be aware of is at Heathrow Airport, where border staff members and airport ground staff are planning industrial action starting tomorrow. The strike is expected to last until September 3, with subsequent work-to-rule and overtime refusal until September 22. The walkout involves 650 members of the PCS union across the airport’s four terminals, impacting passport control in terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5.
PCS union general secretary Fran Heathcote has warned that the strike is likely to cause significant disruption for travelers using Heathrow Airport. The disagreement leading to the strike revolves around changes to roster arrangements, with union members citing a lack of flexibility as a key issue that has already prompted 160 staff members to leave their positions.
While the Home Office has assured that robust plans are in place to minimize disruptions, passengers are advised to anticipate long queues at passport control and potential delays. Those traveling through Heathrow during this time are encouraged to utilize e-gates and check with their airlines for the latest travel advice.
Portugal Airport Strikes:
In addition to the strike at Heathrow Airport, ground staff across airports in Portugal are also set to walk out, impacting travel to and from popular destinations like Porto, Lisbon, Faro, Funchal, and Ponta Delgada. The strike is scheduled to begin tomorrow and last until September 1, with the Portuguese Transport Workers’ Union, Sttamp, guaranteeing delays and numerous flight cancellations.
Sttamp has warned that the strike will result in severe constraints at airports across Portugal, affecting airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Vueling. Passengers with travel plans during the strike period are advised to confirm their flights with their respective airlines before heading to the airport to avoid potential disruptions.
Airlines like easyJet and Ryanair have indicated that they are unlikely to be significantly impacted by the strikes, but travelers are urged to stay informed about any changes to their flight schedules. The strike in Portugal is in protest against base salaries below the national minimum wage, highlighting the ongoing labor disputes affecting the aviation industry.
Flight Compensation and Passenger Rights:
In the event of flight cancellations or delays, it’s important for passengers to be aware of their rights and options for compensation. Under UK law, airlines are required to provide compensation if a flight arrives more than three hours late, with passengers having the choice of a refund or an alternative flight.
However, airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for disruptions caused by factors beyond their control, such as extreme weather or air traffic control strikes. In such cases, passengers may be able to seek refunds through their travel insurance policies, depending on the coverage and circumstances of the delay or cancellation.
Travelers should always check the terms and conditions of their insurance policies and obtain written confirmation of delays from the airport to facilitate the claims process. Understanding passenger rights and entitlements can help mitigate the impact of flight disruptions and ensure a smoother travel experience amidst unforeseen circumstances.
Conclusion:
As travelers navigate the uncertainties of impending strikes at major airports, staying informed and prepared is key to minimizing disruptions and potential inconveniences. By following updates from airlines, checking travel advisories, and understanding passenger rights, passengers can better navigate any challenges that may arise during their journeys. While strikes can pose challenges for both travelers and airlines, proactive communication and contingency planning can help mitigate the impact and ensure smoother travel experiences for all parties involved.