French low-cost carrier French bee pilots have filed a strike notice in response to the airline’s refusal to grant salary increases. The action follows ongoing negotiations where the pilots, represented by their union, seek pay raises amid rising industry wage standards.
The dispute echoes recent labor tensions in the French aviation sector, highlighted by a November 14 strike from commercial pilots protesting a proposed tripling of the solidarity ticket tax on short-haul flights from €2.60 to €9.50. That one-day walkout, organized by the National Union of Airline Pilots (SNPL), saw pilots rally in Paris with minimal flight disruptions but warnings of escalated actions if the tax plan advances.
Elsewhere, pilots at other carriers have secured substantial gains. Air Transat pilots reached a tentative deal for over 60% average wage hikes over five years, aligning pay with competitors like WestJet and Air Canada. Air Canada offered pilots a 30% raise package, starting with a 20% immediate increase followed by annual adjustments.
For French bee, the strike notice raises concerns about potential disruptions to its transatlantic routes, as the pilots push for compensation competitive with recent sector benchmarks. The airline has not publicly detailed its position on the demands.