News of the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike has generated headlines (and memes) for two weeks amid the breakdown in negotiations between the screenwriters’ labor union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Labor disputes are also afoot in another major sector — travel.
“From individual airlines and pilots to rail networks and passport offices, strikes can unfold across various industries, leading to significant vacation disruptions,” said Cody Candee, founder and CEO of the luggage storage and travel company Bounce. “Such strikes typically take place as a result of industry disputes across factors, including pensions, pay, job security and working conditions.”
In recent months, we’ve seen these exact scenarios unfold as rail workers, pilots, passport office employees and others in the travel world have taken action in pursuit of fair labor policies. And, as we enter the peak tourism season of summer, countless travelers likely will experience the impact firsthand.
“Strikes can disrupt vacation travel in several ways,” said Michael Ballard, director of intelligence at the international security firm Global Guardian. “Airport staff, including air traffic controllers, security personnel and baggage handlers, can go on strike, leading to canceled flights, delays with baggage handling and security lines, and lost luggage.”
Airline pilots also may strike, which means planes cannot fly, Ballard noted. Similarly, there might be mass cancellations of railway and metro services when transit operators walk out.
“Anti-pension reform protests in France in 2023 led to widespread strikes across labor sectors, including in public transportation,” Ballard explained. “As a result, many people who use rail, subway, metro or bus services to get to work or otherwise move around were forced to travel by automobile during the strike, leading to significantly increased traffic in Paris and other French cities.”
Strikes often are accompanied by protests, which can require tourists to further change their plans, Ballard said.
“Many holidaymakers have already been affected by travel-related strike action this year, with flight delays, train cancellations, and extensive passport renewal times becoming more frequent,” Candee said. “With this in mind, it pays to be prepared if your plans are impacted.”
Below, experts explain how exactly to be prepared and what to do if a strike occurs during a planned trip:
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