Charleroi air traffic controllers to launch series of night strikes

Skeyes air traffic controllers at Brussels South Charleroi Airport will strike during every night shift from 22:00 to 08:00, beginning on the evening of 16 September. The industrial action could continue until 10 October following the failure of negotiations over night-duty allowances.

The dispute is linked partly to plans for a new digital control centre in Namur, which will eventually manage air traffic at both Charleroi and Liège airports. A strike notice was submitted in late July, although the threatened action did not take place at the time.

Skeyes says the Charleroi controllers are seeking to increase their night allowance to 160% of its current level, which the company claims already exceeds €1,000 per shift. Management argues that the demand is unjustified because Charleroi Airport is officially closed overnight.

The VSOA union counters that controllers still handle night traffic, including delayed Ryanair aircraft based at Charleroi that are permitted to return after closing time. It cited a recent flight that landed at 05:20.

The strikes will affect night shifts only, but the union warns that disruption could extend to a significant number of flights, particularly during the first days of action. It says the walkouts will continue unless management presents a new initiative.