Air France strike called next week, mid Euro-2016

[PARIS] With the European football championships in France in full swing, Air France pilot are set to go on strike from June 24 to 27, three major unions told AFP Friday.

The unions said they were downing tools after management made "very vague promises" in negotiations during the last strike between June 11 and 14.

Air France management said it "deplored" the latest strike threat, condemning the unions for "unreasonable demands" incompatible with the "resonponsible running of a business".

Last week's strike, which grounded around 20 per cent of flights, mainly to mid-range destinations, generated losses of 40 million euros (S$60.88 million), it added.

Pilots say that new pay rules decided by management in June would lower their salaries by five per cent.

According to management said only a quarter of pilots went on strike earlier this month but unions said the figure was more like seven in 10.

The latest strike is the latest industrial action to hit France, which has been gripped by social unrest over a series of disputed labour reforms the Socialist government of President Francois Hollande is trying to force through.

However, despite strikes by pilots and railway workers, there has been relatively little disruption to fans travelling around France for Europe's showcase football tournament.

AFP