Charleroi Airport Strike Suspended After Conciliation
The threat of disruption at Brussels South Charleroi Airport has been lifted, at least for now. Skeyes, Belgium’s air navigation service provider, announced on Friday that a strike notice filed by air traffic controllers — due to take effect on 12 August — is no longer applicable after a conciliation meeting between management and union representatives.
“Flight operations at Brussels South Charleroi Airport will proceed normally,” the operator said, according to RTL Info, adding that the suspension brings clarity to passengers, airlines and the airport. All collective actions and any intention to undertake them have been suspended while conciliation continues.
A Dispute Over Night Pay
The dispute began on 30 July, when the common union front representing the airport’s air traffic controllers filed a strike notice. According to RTBF, Skeyes said at the time that the unions were demanding a 60% increase in the night-service allowance, which would push it above €1,000 per night shift per controller.
Skeyes stressed that Charleroi Airport is closed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., and that night movements are exceptional — on average two flights per night, each time delayed aircraft based in Charleroi. Management said it was starting the conciliation procedure “with the firm intention of avoiding any disruption for passengers, airlines and the airport” and called on all parties to give the process a fair chance.
The unions, however, reject that framing. HLN reported that they are not asking for a 60% increase, but rather that the Charleroi night supplement be paid under the same conditions as at other airports where night work occurs — namely 160% compensation for night hours. They also disputed Skeyes’ €1,000-per-night figure, saying “the actual figures are far from what Skeyes cites.”
The controllers also pointed out that they are employees of Skeyes, not of the airport, and must remain on duty until the last flight lands before preparing for the airport’s 6 a.m. opening.
Conciliation in Action
Under Belgium’s industrial-relations framework, a strike notice is a formal step before industrial action, but a conciliation procedure can suspend announced union actions while negotiations continue — precisely what unfolded in this case. The conciliation meeting began at 9 a.m. on Friday at Skeyes’ headquarters in Steenokkerzeel, bringing together management and the three representative union organizations.
After the meeting, RTBF reported that the actions announced for 12 August were no longer applicable and that discussions had taken place “in a constructive climate.” The parties agreed to continue the conciliation procedure and scheduled a next meeting for 17 August.
What the Suspension Means
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is Belgium’s second-busiest passenger airport and a major base for low-cost carrier Ryanair, making it a crucial gateway for summer travel. A strike during the peak holiday period would have caused significant disruption for thousands of passengers, which helps explain the swift move to conciliation.
The quick resolution also reflects how Belgium’s conciliation system is designed to defuse disputes before they reach travellers. The suspension, however, is not a final agreement: the underlying disagreement over night compensation remains unresolved, and the next conciliation meeting on 17 August will be crucial in determining whether the threat of industrial action returns. For now, flights from Charleroi should operate as scheduled, with talks set to resume in mid-August.