Just weeks before the Paris Olympics kick off, a storm is brewing over the city’s airports. Airport workers are threatening to strike, demanding a bonus for working during the Games. This could disrupt travel for thousands of visitors and athletes alike.
The unions, including the CGT, FO, UNSA, and CFDT, are furious about the distribution of bonuses, arguing that all airport staff deserve a share of the Olympic windfall. They point out that Aéroports de Paris (ADP), the state-owned company responsible for both Charles De Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), has given bonuses to only a select few.
The looming strike comes just nine days before the Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 17th. The strike is scheduled for the week prior to the Games, coinciding with the arrival of thousands of athletes from across the globe. A massive temporary baggage terminal at CDG is already being set up to handle their equipment, including bikes, canoes, and kayaks.
The unions are demanding that airport workers be compensated for working during France’s traditional summer holiday period, from July 26th to August 11th. They argue that their staff deserves a pay bump for working during such a busy time, especially as it falls during their usual vacation time.
More Than Just Airports: A Wave of Demands Across France
The airport workers’ demand for extra pay isn’t unique. Across France, a wave of workers are demanding higher wages. Train drivers, police officers, air traffic controllers, waste collection staff, firefighters, and even central government employees are all seeking a better deal from their employers.
This widespread demand for increased pay is putting pressure on the French government and employers to prevent a widespread strike that could disrupt services and events in the lead-up to the Games.
Olympic Hopes Under Pressure: A Double-Edged Sword
Despite the potential economic boost from the Olympics, Air France-KLM has warned of a financial hit due to a drop in tourist numbers. The airline has announced an expected loss of €180 million ($193 million U.S.) for the third quarter, blaming the Olympics for discouraging tourists from visiting Paris.
The airline blames a combination of high prices, increased crowds, and the general chaos of the Games. Air France-KLM says international travel to Paris is below the usual June-August average, with tourists opting to travel elsewhere during the Games.
However, some experts believe this dip in tourism is temporary, and that the Olympics will ultimately benefit Paris in the long run. An independent study by the Centre for Law and Economics of Sport (CDES) estimates the Olympics could generate €9 billion for Paris. Christina Choueifaty, a senior account manager at STR, an analytics company in the hospitality industry, believes the Olympics will ultimately strengthen Paris’ position as a major tourist destination, attracting even more visitors in the future.
While the looming strike and the potential drop in tourism could cast a shadow over the Paris Olympics, the Games could also provide a significant economic boost to the city in the long term. Only time will tell whether the benefits of the Olympics will outweigh the challenges.
