Controllers’ strike to ground some French flights Thursday

PARIS, Feb 1, 2006 (AFP) – Flights are likely to be disrupted across France on Thursday as traffic controllers join in a nationwide public sector strike, the French civilian air authority DGAC said.

“Disruptions are expected, particularly early in the day,” in all French airports, the DGAC said in a statement, asking travellers to contact their carriers directly for more details about individual flights.

All seven French public sector unions have called for a day of strikes and protests on Thursday to call for better pay.

The national air controllers’ union, SNCTA, played down the risk of serious disruption, however, noting that air sector workers were obliged to provide a minimum service.

Air France said it expected some disruptions, and a few cancellations to its medium-haul services, but that all long-haul flights would operate normally.

Copyright AFP

Subject: French news