Air traffic controllers’ unions at Brussels South Charleroi Airport have suspended their nightly strike with immediate effect, opening the way for mediation over a dispute on night-shift pay and allowances. The move should ease the risk of further overnight cancellations and wider disruption at the Belgian airport, which has already faced major passenger impact.
The industrial action by Skeyes controllers began on 16 September and had been due to run through 10 October, with work stoppages each night from 22:00 to 08:00. Federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke had proposed external mediation after talks stalled, and the unions have now agreed to proceed in a calmer negotiating environment. Skeyes had recently put forward a concrete offer to restart dialogue, but the dispute remained unresolved before the suspension. The issue remains a labour-relations battle rather than an operational safety matter.