Chaos set to continue at Brussels airport

A second day of misery looms for travellers at Brussels airport as union representatives and management failed to reach an agreement last night.

Baggage handlers went on strike without warning on Sunday evening, causing chaos for tens of thousands of passengers.

Most flights yesterday were either cancelled or delayed.

One passenger said: “We’re going to repack so we’ve got two pieces of hand baggage instead check-in luggage because of the strike. The parking organisation is going to pick up my suitcase and put it in the car so I can fly out this evening.”

With planes diverted around Belgium, the effects of the strike will continue to be felt today whatever the outcome of talks.

The baggage handlers walked out over their working conditions.

Union representative Hendrik Vermeersch said: “An employee who works day and night at weekends earns – with bonuses – 1,100 to 1,200 euros net a month.”

Union representatives have denounced working conditions and what they call the “anti social” policy of employers Aviapartner and Flightcare.

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