French strikes cause more flight chaos today – and Eurostar has had to cancel trains too
THOSE flying to or from France today face even more flight cancellations due to French strikes – while Eurostar is also disrupted for a second day running.
Air France has cancelled a quarter of its flights today due to strike action.
The company has advised those who have tickets booked on cancelled flights to rearrange their journeys.
Meanwhile, Eurostar had to cancel the 7.13am train to London from Paris due to protests in the French capital.
Yesterday the company had to cancel four services, although all passengers were accommodated on other trains.
The company announced yesterday: “Due to French Rail disruptions today, we have had to cancel some trains on the Paris London route.”
They continued: “It doesn't affect passengers who already have a booking for today. We thank you for your understanding.
“Please only come to our stations if you have a confirmed seat.”
Paris has been hit by protests as people took to the streets to protest against economic plans by the government over pay, pension plans and job cuts.
Tear gas and water cannons were used on protesters at one point yesterday.
France has had three days of strikes and protests now, with flights and trains cancelled due to the protests against the government.
A French air traffic control strike hit France from Wednesday until this morning at 5am, which was immediately followed by the one-day Air France strike.
Strikes occurred earlier in the week by air traffic controllers against pay freezes and changes in sick pay and the strikes are also happening on France's rail network.
A spokesperson for Air France said: "Air France management has, on several occasions met with the unions calling for two days of strike action on March 23 and 30.
"The company deplores this strike action which effects its customers.
"Air France staff will be working to limit the inconvenience caused.
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"These two days of strike action are the result of a dispute by some unions regarding annual wage negotiations, even though the company is offering an increase in individual pay and a general increase for the first time since 2011.
"Air France management regrets the decision of the unions to maintain these two days of strike action and remains fully mobilised in order to solve this issue.
"If a passengers flight is affected they will be notified and rebooked on the next available flight."