3 days ago
110 flights cancelled at airline that serves Edinburgh
The IAU has announced a series of industrial actions that will significantly disrupt ground operations at one airport on June 2 and June 4
The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) has declared a series of strikes starting today at an airline that serves Edinburgh and other UK airports. It will significantly disrupt ground operations at Helsinki Airport on June 2 and June 4. The strikes are due to an ongoing wage dispute between the IAU and the employers' association Palta.
As a consequence of the planned four-hour work stoppage today, Finnair has had to cancel roughly 110 flights, affecting around 8,000 passengers. The airline is contacting all impacted customers directly via email or SMS to offer alternative arrangements.
The IAU confirmed the strike would go ahead following the failure to reach a resolution in collective bargaining negotiations. The union has also issued further strike warnings for June 11, highlighting the potential for continued disruption.
Talks have been at a standstill since late January, with hundreds of flights cancelled in recent months. The main issue revolves around salary increases, with the IAU rejecting a recent proposal by the national mediator.
According to the union, aviation sector wage growth has lagged behind other industries. They have cited missed raises in 2021 and 2022 as a key concern, reports Bristol Live.
In addition to London Heathrow, Finnair also operates flights to and from Manchester and Edinburgh.
Passenger rights during the industrial action
Despite the industrial action, air passengers' rights remain protected under European regulation EC 261/2004. "Airlines are required to rebook affected passengers to their final destinations at the earliest opportunity and provide Duty of Care-such as meals and hotel accommodations-in cases of significant delays," said Darina Kovacheva, Head of Legal at airline compensation specialist SkyRefund.
Full refunds could be available
Passengers whose flights are cancelled or significantly delayed may opt for a full refund. Compensation eligibility depends on the nature of the strike.
If the strike involves Finnair's own employees, eligible passengers may receive compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance.
If the disruption results from strikes by third-party staff, such as ground handlers not directly employed by the airline, the event is classified as an "extraordinary circumstance," and compensation is not owed. Nevertheless, passengers are advised to retain receipts for any related expenses.
Finnair encourages customers traveling on affected dates to monitor their email and SMS messages for updates and to visit the airline's website for the latest travel information.
