Wildcat Strike at Brussels Airport Causes Widespread Delays

April 13, 2007
Several airlines had already canceled early morning flights after security personnel set up their picket lines outside the airport's main entrance at 6 a.m.

Security personnel and firefighters staged a wildcat strike at Brussels International Airport Friday, causing widespread delays and cancellation of flights.

Geert Sciot from local carrier Brussels Airlines told VRT television that it was delaying all its flights due to safety concerns.

Other airlines were also either delaying or canceling flights. "It is not responsible to carry out takeoffs or landings without firefighter crews. Safety is always the first concern," Sciot said.

He warned that delays would likely have a snowball effect on most flights out of the airport ahead of what is expected to be a busy travel weekend, as many vacationers return from their Easter holiday break.

Several airlines had already canceled early morning flights after security personnel set up their picket lines outside the airport's main entrance at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT).

The unions said they are staging the work action in protest over what they claim is poor treatment from management. Talks between the two sides is under way to try to end the strike, officials said.


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