Belgian Airline Union Threatens Strike Over Flights to Israel

The Belgian ACV Puls trade union, representing employees of Brussels Airlines, has announced a potential strike due to the company's decision to resume flights to Tel Aviv. The union claims the airline is violating agreements by mandating crew members to operate these flights amid staff shortages, instead of relying on volunteers as previously stipulated.

ACV Puls stated that the airline is breaching signed agreements which specified that only volunteers would be called upon for such duties. Disruptions are expected to specifically target flights to and from Tel Aviv. Belgian media anticipate that Brussels Airlines may not reverse its decision, potentially leading to more severe actions from the union.

Yolinda Defieu, a representative for ACV Puls, highlighted Belgium's existing travel advisory for Israel, which recommends avoiding non-essential travel. She expressed significant concerns among the crew regarding both physical safety and the potential mental toll of operating flights to the region, especially given the ongoing war and the conflict in Gaza. Defieu added that ACV Puls will support any employee who refuses to fly to a war zone.

Despite the union's warnings, Brussels Airlines reportedly refuses to grant employees the option to decline these assignments. The union is prepared to escalate the situation if the airline does not comply with the existing agreements.