New year, new strikes.
Strikes in Europe are a common occurrence. In the last few years, airline staff, air traffic controllers, and public transport workers have been involved in pay disputes and have regularly staged walkouts. A consequence of the union action is disruption in service in aviation and transportation. So, it’s always recommended to check if a city that you’re visiting has any strikes planned—many unions scheduled these weeks or months in advance. For January, refer to this list.
Germany
The state-owned German railway Deutsche Bahn (DB) has become unreliable in recent years with delays a common headache for commuters. Europe’s biggest economy is also being hit by strike action by the GDL union workers.
From January 10-12, massive disruptions are expected in the country as workers protest working conditions. Around 80% of long-distance services will be cancelled, affecting millions, and DB requests travelers: “Please refrain from unnecessary journeys during the GDL strike and postpone your journey to another time.”
More rail strikes are expected this year and the union chairman said, “What is coming now will be more powerful, longer and harder for customers.”
Spain
At Alicante-Elche airport in Spain, private security staff are staging walkouts from January 1-14 for two hours every day from 8.45-9:45 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. “The strike impacts security controls for passengers and staff, baggage handling, cargo supplies, private flights, and the security control center at Alicante Airport,” the airport website says. Expect longer queues and considerable delays, the airport warns.
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The private firm Ilunion manages security at the airport and since last year, they have been demanding better working conditions–including longer breaks and shorter working hours–and better pay.
Earlier this month, Iberia Airlines ground staff walked out from all 29 Spanish airports from January 5-8, which caused flight cancellations. Airport ground staff and baggage handlers are protesting new contracts signed with providers at airports, outsourcing jobs.
Italy
On January 24, a nationwide public transport strike is planned in Italy. The 24-hour strike will affect buses, subways, and trams, but regional and long-distance trains will be less impacted. Air traffic controllers will also walk out from 1-5 p.m., so some disruption at airports is also expected.
Last year, the country saw multiple strike actions from government workers over working conditions, pay, and opposition to privatization—a total of 1,419 strikes were called in 2023. In November, a similar 24-hour service to oppose the 2024 budget bill lasted for four hours. Last summer, amidst the busy tourist season, a July strike brought train services to a standstill.
Italy sees plenty of strikes, but the country guarantees essential services and minimal links.
London, England
The London Underground workers were planning to strike from January 7-12, but it was suspended 20 minutes before action, impacting only Monday service. The mayor intervened before the strike brought transportation in London to a grinding halt. It would have cost £50 million if it had happened.
Train operators, drivers, and those employed for maintenance, network control, and signaling are involved in the strike action for the last 18 months. Two unions—the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union and Aslef, the train drivers union—have been disputing with rail companies over pay and working conditions.
No further strikes are currently planned.