Belgian Airline Crew Threaten Strike Over Forced Flights to Israel

The Belgian ACV Puls labor union has officially notified Brussels Airlines of a strike, effective September 1, in protest of the company's decision to mandate flights to Israel for crew members. This move comes after the airline failed to secure enough volunteers for the route, leading to a change from its previous policy of voluntary assignments for flights to Tel Aviv. The union stated that any disruptions would be limited to round-trip flights to Tel Aviv and would not affect other destinations.

According to the union, an earlier agreement with Brussels Airlines stipulated that crew assignments to Israel would be voluntary. Previously, the airline offered bonuses to encourage volunteers. However, with the upcoming flight schedule, a shortage of volunteers prompted the company to revert to mandatory assignments, allowing staff to be sent to Tel Aviv even if they had not volunteered. "A shortage of volunteers does not grant free rein to force employees," the union declared.

ACV Puls is demanding that any crew member with safety or conscientious objections be allowed to refuse flights to Israel without facing financial, professional, or disciplinary repercussions. Union representative Yolande Depyve stated that crew members have "serious concerns" about their safety and the mental toll of these flights, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. She criticized the airline for not acknowledging the situation, especially in light of the Belgian Foreign Ministry's advisory against non-essential travel to Israel and Jerusalem.

Brussels Airlines, however, maintains that the return to regular scheduling is possible due to the successful resumption of the route. "Brussels Airlines resumed operations to Tel Aviv this summer. During the first few weeks, these flights were operated by volunteers. Now that the flights have been successfully resumed, we can return to the normal procedure for compiling flight schedules," the company stated. They added that they continue to monitor the situation in Israel closely and are prepared to adjust procedures if necessary.

The union, however, remains firm, with Depyve concluding, "Any disruption will be limited solely to round-trip flights to Tel Aviv. ACV Puls will protect any employee who does not wish to fly to a war zone."