Unions have filed a national strike notice covering the entire aviation sector
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New industrial action is set to unfold in a European nation’s aviation industry – threatening potential headaches for UK travellers. A coalition of unions (CNE/ACV Puls, CSC Transcom, CGSLB/ACLVB, and Setca/BBTK) has confirmed it has submitted a nationwide strike warning affecting Belgium’s entire aviation sector.
The notification was formally registered on Monday, April 27. Based on recent UK Government statistics from 2026, over 1.3 million British citizens visit Belgium annually. Le Soir indicates that the unions are unhappy with pension reforms. A dispute has emerged following the purported termination of a pilot by his company without severance pay.
The supposed dismissal of the pilot, who had apparently turned 65, arises from conflicting Belgian and European legislation, according to union leaders. “Given that this situation is fundamentally untenable, we are forced to file a sectoral strike notice for Belgian aviation. We are not taking this decision lightly, but rather to give the person responsible for this chaos – the Minister of Pensions – one last chance to propose structural and equitable solutions,” the three unions declared in a joint statement.
“Without swift and clear measures, this situation risks worsening,” the CNE, CSC Transcom, CGSLB, and Setca unions concluded. The Minister of Pensions said he understood the concerns but has called for the debate to take place “at the appropriate level”.
This is believed to refer to negotiations at a European level. Brussels Airlines acknowledges the pilots’ worries and is seeking discussions with the federal government and those directly involved. The airline noted that, similar to the unions, employers across the sector are urging the authorities to find a resolution, reports the Mirror.
Nevertheless, the carrier expressed frustration regarding the strike announcements, pointing out that the sector has already faced disruption from industrial action in 2025 and during this year. “Furthermore, in the current geopolitical context, it would be irresponsible to further disrupt the Belgian aviation sector with strike action when the industry itself cannot address the concerns raised,” the airline stated.
The operator is appealing to all involved to find a resolution “through dialogue or to make their voices heard in ways that do not harm our passengers, our colleagues, or the company.”
