A strike by French aviation workers looks set to intensify today with Air France saying it might fly only half of its long-haul flights. Flight disruptions were limited yesterday, the first day of a four-day action against restrictions on the right to strike, but there were a number of last-minute cancellations and delays. Air France-KLM stated that it managed to fly 85% of its long-haul flights and 75% of short- and medium-haul flights yesterday. Air France urged customers to postpone their travel to after the strike finishes, and sent out more than 25,000 emails and mobile phone text messages to clients warning them their flight had been cancelled or delayed. The unions are protesting a draft law that will require aviation workers to individually give 48 hours’ notice prior to striking, saying this limits labour rights. The bill was approved by France's lower house last month and is being debated in the Senate.
French Transport Minister Thierry Mariani said the government would not go back on the bill, which he said was aimed at protecting "passengers' rights". "We will go all the way. This is necessary and that is something the French people understand," he said on RTL radio.