Air France pilot unions calls for Euro 2016 strike

Air France’s pilot unions have called for strike action during the first week of Euro 2016 later this month.

Ahead of its hosting of the tournament, France is in the midst of a transportation crisis as trade unions representing air, rail and other public transportation providers continue to strike over pay and proposed changes to working hours.

The air unions SNPL and SPAF, which together represent around 75% of Air France’s pilots, have proposed a strike beginning June 11 and lasting until June 14.

Rail problems could also continue as the championship gets underway, with only a third of inter-city services and 60% of TGV journeys currently in operation.

Euro 2016 begins in Paris on June 10 and is expected to welcome over 2.5m visitors across a month, including 1.5m visitors from outside of France.