CEO talks to pilots as Brussels Airlines strike enters second day

Bernard Gustin, CEO of Brussels Airlines, has made a personal approach to pilot representatives in an effort to end a strike which began on Monday and led to the cancellation of around 100 flights. The strike action continues on Tuesday.

Pilot unions called the strike to protest over the lack of progress on four main issues: the payment of overtime hours; days off in the part-time schedule; the treatment of pilots on reaching the age of 58, who management would like to pension off; and the extra charge pilots pay towards their pension. The disputed points all figure in last year's savings plan which the company said would make Brussels Airlines profitable.

On Monday both sides agreed to the introduction of a social arbitrator, and talks went on into the evening. “As long as we're talking, there's still hope,” one union representative said. The strike action, meanwhile, was “total” according to one union representative, with as many as 80% of all pilots showing support – including many who were not on duty yesterday.

The action began at 05.30 on Monday, and led to 98 of the 1134 scheduled flights being cancelled. Brussels Airlines said it had found alternatives for around 6,000 passengers affected. “Most passengers managed to reach their destination,” a company spokesman said. “However for some people we had to organise an overnight stay.” Brussels Airlines advised people intending to travel to first consult the web page or call 02 723 2362.

On Tuesday morning CEO Gustin made a personal appeal to pilot unions, but the problems remain unresolved. At the time of going to press, another 39 flights had been cancelled on Tuesday.