Charleroi Airport (BSCA) is inaccessible on Monday morning due to strike action by the security personnel, reported the security forces. Passengers are blocked from entering and the traffic around the area is at a standstill.
Trade unions had filed a strike notice over the dissatisfaction of the Security Master’s staff which came to an end on Sunday evening. This is related to the decision by BSCA Security – which is responsible for airport security – to award a future public tender for passenger security checks to two operators instead of one.
Security personnel are concerned about the takeover of the current agents by the new operators, as well as changes in training and compensation.
The situation outside the airport on Monday. Credit: Belga
No vehicle will be able to enter the airport site on Monday morning, the security forces warn. They urge avoidance of the site as much as possible. The staff of the company Security Master, which ensures security at the airport, occupies the roundabouts towards the site.
"The unions of our subcontractor BSCA Security are blocking the security checks. The kidnapping of our passengers and BSCA staff by this action is simply outrageous," said the airport’s communications service.
Many flights are reportedly leaving empty or nearly empty. Passengers who finally get into the airport building often have to find that their flight has left without them, according to reports in Flemish media.
"In order to ensure the continuity of the service, the sharing of this mission between two suppliers is essential," affirms management in a press release.
"This sharing between two suppliers will have no influence on the guarantee of employment, nor on the level of remuneration. Union representativeness is also guaranteed."
The statement has not seemed to not have convinced the striking Security Master staff.
An update on Monday afternoon confirmed that Charleroi Airport will be closed to passengers from 4pm on Monday.
The reason for this is the lack of available security staff due to a strike. The information was confirmed by the director Philippe Verdonck on Monday afternoon.
