SUPPLEMENT


in aircraft deliveries and maintenance schedules. The cumulative effect of these strikes strained the airfreight industry, causing delays in cargo shipments and increased operational costs. The sector experienced significant


alternative solutions to maintain a steady flow of goods. Ongoing labour disputes in Europe continue to pose threats


labour disputes, primarily


driven by wages not keeping pace with the rising cost of living. The transport sector, including air cargo, was notably affected. For instance, aviation industry employees, such as those at Brussels Airlines and Ryanair in Belgium, engaged in industrial action seeking better pay and working conditions. At the same time, in 2024, forwarders expressed concerns over


new security requirements implemented by the US and Canadian governments. These measures, introduced after incidents involving incendiary devices in European parcel networks, have posed challenges for European air cargo operators, leading to operational disruptions and increased scrutiny.


Brexit’s shadow Post-Brexit regulations have introduced complexities for UK-based cargo airlines. For example, One Air, a British cargo airline, reported that Brexit-induced red tape forced it to send its Boeing 747s to the US for routine maintenance, incurring significant environmental and financial costs. This situation arose from post-Brexit regulations requiring British pilots and engineers to requalify in the EU at substantial expense, alongside the lack of mutual recognition of professional qualifications between the UK and the EU. In July last year, several fires at European cargo hubs were linked


to a covert Russian plot testing methods to plant bombs on US- bound cargo planes. Incidents occurred at DHL facilities in Germany, England and Poland, involving parcels containing incendiary devices. Investigations led to arrests in Lithuania and Poland, highlighting significant security concerns within the air cargo sector. Two months later, potential labour strikes loomed over US East


and Gulf Coast ports, posing a significant threat to the logistics sector. These potential strikes were anticipated to exacerbate existing pressures, especially as e-commerce growth consumed substantial airfreight capacity. The implications extended beyond the ports, influencing airfreight, inventory management and the entire global supply chain. The anticipation of such strikes prompted stakeholders to proactively prepare and explore


to global supply chains. Unresolved disputes have significant consequences


for global trade, particularly as the year-end


approaches. Businesses and supply chain managers are urged to stay vigilant and proactive in their planning to mitigate potential disruptions. Contingency plans included avoiding ports likely to be most affected by strikes, as well as exploring alternative routes and entry points to ensure the continuity of operations. This can be converted into airfreight shipments to avoid blockaded ports. The European airfreight industry has faced a series of labour-


related disruptions in recent times, stemming from a combination of economic pressures, regulatory changes, and industrial actions. A roundup of some recent industrial disputes in Europe include: Belgium nationwide strikes (2024) – Workers across Belgium,


including airport staff, went on strike over wage disputes and working conditions, disrupting cargo operations at major airports like Brussels and Liège. Lufthansa Cargo strikes (Germany, 2023-2024) – Repeated


strikes by ground staff and pilots over pay disputes caused widespread


delays and cancellations in Germany, impacting


airfreight movement. French air traffic controller strikes (ongoing, multiple years) –


Frequent strikes by air traffic controllers over pension reforms and working conditions have disrupted cargo flights across France, affecting transit hubs like Paris CDG. UK Border Force strikes (2022-2023) – Strikes by border staff


and baggage handlers at major UK airports like Heathrow and Gatwick caused logistical bottlenecks, delaying cargo processing and customs clearance. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport labour shortages (2022-2023) – Staff


shortages due to post-pandemic labour disputes led to major delays in cargo handling and logistics at one of Europe’s busiest airports. These events have underscored the importance of proactive


labour relations management and the need for robust contingency planning within the industry. As the landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain vigilant and adaptable to navigate the challenges posed by labour disputes and ensure the resilience of air cargo operations.


“The sector experienced


significant labour


disputes, primarily driven by wages


not keeping pace with the rising cost of living. ”


17


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