Unions call for one-hour stoppage at Belgian airport

Airline Industry Information, Oct 1, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Unions representing workers at a Belgian airport are seeking to stop air traffic from the airport for one hour to force local authorities and parcel company DHL to strike a deal.

The proposed stoppage at Zaventem International Airport is an attempt by the unions to get the local authorities to agree a deal with DHL which would allow the parcel company to keep its European hub at the airport and increase the number of night flights.

Unions have called for all companies at the airport to stop work for one hour at 1300 local time on Friday (1 October) and join a protest in the airport's main departure hall in support of the move.

Unions claim that securing DHL would create thousands of jobs in the area. DHL has threatened to move its hub to either Germany or France if more night flights are not granted, reports The Associated Press.

((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))