Aviation passengers moving through French airspace are likely to experience severe disruption later this month with unions calling up to four days of strikes.

As opinion hardens against government reforms, six trade unions have called on airline and airport workers to go on strike from Friday, November 5th.

The national society of airline pilots, or SNPL, and the SNPNC flight attendant union have called for a four-day walkout starting on November 5th and ending on November 8th.

With World Travel Market set to take place in London from November 8th, tourism insiders seeking to reach the UK may be hit by the action.

French Reform

The industrial action is in opposition to reform proposed by French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

The proposed reform would make certain benefits taxable, such as travel concessions and discounted hotel rooms, which are not provided by their employers.

Unions have said that the move would have “serious financial consequences” on staff.

SNPL told Reuters that the law has already been approved by the lower house of parliament, but is still amendable before it reaches the French Senate.

About one-third of Air France staff lives outside of Paris and uses their discounted tickets to travel to work and back.

SNPNC represents not only 25 per cent of flight attendants at Air France, but also staff at other French airlines.

SNPL represents over 3,500 French pilots.