December strike by Brussels Airlines cabin crew averted

Brussels Airlines cabin crew will not go on strike in December. Unions and management reached an agreement on Saturday following a "serious proposal" that will be discussed with staff over the next month, said Olivier Van Camp of the socialist BBTK union.

Cabin crew had been threatening to strike on 1, 2 and 3 December, the French-speaking Christian union CNE announced last week. The company has been accused of not respecting several collective agreements. While a joint union front presented the strike notice, it became clear that other unions were allowing management more room to negotiate.

According to Van Camp, negotiations on Saturday resulted in an agreement not to strike in December. He said this was important for the company because of the upcoming holidays and that there was understanding from the unions.

Van Camp said the management had made a "serious and comprehensive proposal", including financial guarantees and agreements on working conditions, rest and guaranteed income during illness.

Employees will be consulted on these issues in December. A conciliation meeting is scheduled for Monday for Brussels Airlines pilots, who have filed a notice of strike action for 11 December.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}