Travellers stranded as Swedish pilots go on strike
Up to 25,000 travellers could see their flights cancelled or delayed on Wednesday after a Swedish labour union representing pilots announced a day-long strike.
• British Airways flights to Sweden canceled
The Swedish Pilots' Union (SPF) called its 1,900 members out after a breakdown in negotiations with airline operators centred on a new collective agreement at regional airlines.
"We are going to keep negotiating, and we hope to reach an agreement in the end, but for the moment our positions are frozen," said Peter Jeppsson, director general of Flygarbetsgiverna, which represents Swedish air operators.
"All domestic flights and nearly all international flights (operated by Swedish air carriers including SAS) will be affected," with an estimated 25,000 travellers liable to be affected, Jeppsson told AFP.
Besides working conditions at regional airlines, the dispute also involves a proposal by Avia Express to hire pilots through an interim agency.
Only air ambulance services and a handful of long-haul flights will be unaffected by the walkout.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 15 June 2010 19:45)
