Brussels Airlines Faces Strike Threat Over Flights to Israel

The Belgian union ACV Puls, representing some Brussels Airlines staff, announced a potential strike on Tuesday following the airline's decision to mandate certain crew members to operate flights to Tel Aviv. Brussels Airlines had resumed its route to Tel Aviv but reportedly faced a shortage of volunteers, leading it to assign employees to the flights. This move contradicts a prior agreement with unions that stipulated these rotations would be voluntary. ACV Puls stated that Brussels Airlines is violating these agreements by forcing employees onto the flights. The union warned that further actions could be taken if the airline does not reverse its decision. ACV Puls cited the current Belgian travel advisory against non-essential travel to Israel, expressing significant concerns among crew members about their physical safety and the potential mental toll of these flights. The union criticizes Brussels Airlines for not allowing affected employees to refuse these assignments. ACV Puls affirmed its support for any staff member who refuses to fly to what it described as a "war zone," also referencing the ongoing conflict and "genocide in Gaza."