Brussels Airlines Staff Strike Over Mandatory Flights to Tel Aviv

Belgian airline Brussels Airlines is facing a strike by its cabin crew over mandatory flights to Tel Aviv, Israel. The ACV Puls trade union announced a targeted strike on the Tel Aviv route, accusing the company of violating agreements and endangering staff, contrary to official travel advisories.

The union claims the company's decision to force employees to fly to Israel breaches prior agreements stipulating that operations to the country would be voluntary. They argue this puts crews at serious physical and ethical risk, especially given the ongoing conflict and the Belgian Foreign Ministry's recommendation against non-essential travel to Israel and Jerusalem due to the sensitive security situation.

Yolinda Defieu, a representative for ACV Puls, stated that crew members have "heavy concerns" regarding both physical safety and the potential mental impact of these flights. She criticized Brussels Airlines for refusing to allow employees to refuse these assignments, particularly in the context of the "ongoing war and genocide in Gaza."

Defieu emphasized that a commercial airline cannot ignore official government safety guidelines. She added, "If the Foreign Ministry recommends avoiding non-essential travel, Brussels Airlines cannot pretend that Tel Aviv is a normal destination for all purposes."

The dispute stems from a shortage of volunteers for the Tel Aviv flights. Previously, the airline offered financial incentives to attract volunteers. Now, with insufficient volunteers, the company has opted for mandatory assignments. The union insists that a volunteer shortage does not grant the company the right to force employees, demanding that any crew member with serious safety or conscientious objections retain the right to refuse flights without repercussions.

Brussels Airlines responded by asserting that safety procedures are fully maintained and that flights were initially operated by volunteers. They stated they are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to adjust procedures if necessary. However, the union remains skeptical, citing a past incident where a rocket fell near Ben Gurion Airport shortly before a flight's scheduled departure as evidence of the real danger.