Trade unions had predicted a bleak weekend in the French skies. In the end, it did not take place.
While the government had yet to find a solution to reassure flight crews within the framework of the reform of the cumul emploi-retraite, the CER, the inter-union, gathering the SNGAF, the SNPNC, the SNPL, the UNAC and the UNSA PNC, had filed a strike notice running from October 17 to 21, 2026 across all airlines operating in France.
The whispers we had heard suggested the movement would be well supported, given how strong the discontent was in the cockpits and cabins.
This notice involved all pilots, flight attendants and stewards falling under French law. Already on Tuesday, a first glimmer of hope appeared for travelers, via a leaflet announcing progress and, above all, government assurances.
Ultimately, on Friday evening, white smoke rose above the union offices.
“The new circular issued by the Ministry of Labour is now addressed to the director of the Caisse nationale d’assurance vieillesse, the CNAV, and no longer gives direct orders to the CRPN, thereby satisfying the indispensable condition for its legality“, the press release states.
While the government had yet to find a solution to reassure flight crews within the framework of the reform of the cumul emploi-retraite, the CER, the inter-union, gathering the SNGAF, the SNPNC, the SNPL, the UNAC and the UNSA PNC, had filed a strike notice running from October 17 to 21, 2026 across all airlines operating in France.
The whispers we had heard suggested the movement would be well supported, given how strong the discontent was in the cockpits and cabins.
This notice involved all pilots, flight attendants and stewards falling under French law. Already on Tuesday, a first glimmer of hope appeared for travelers, via a leaflet announcing progress and, above all, government assurances.
Ultimately, on Friday evening, white smoke rose above the union offices.
“The new circular issued by the Ministry of Labour is now addressed to the director of the Caisse nationale d’assurance vieillesse, the CNAV, and no longer gives direct orders to the CRPN, thereby satisfying the indispensable condition for its legality“, the press release states.
National strike in aviation: the interunion suspends the strike notice, but…
Concretely, the ministerial document states that pension offsetting will apply only from the liquidation of the basic retirement pension.
Thus, those leaving the aviation sector, notably the stewards and hostesses, and then working between ages 55 and 64, will be able to receive the full pension while pursuing another activity.
Once the legal retirement age is reached, or the basic pension is liquidated, potential reductions in pension may apply.
In addition, a motion adopted by the CRPN’s board of directors, all complemented by the imminent publication of a decree.
To learn more about the reasons for this anger: Aviation: why is a threat of strike looming over the French skies in August?
“Together, these three texts will secure the entire system and thus protect the autonomy of our fund, by preventing any transfer of financial flows or downward data from the CRPN to the CNAV“, the inter-union rejoices.
For reference, flight personnel had demanded their outright withdrawal from the cumul emploi-retraite reform.
Thus, those leaving the aviation sector, notably the stewards and hostesses, and then working between ages 55 and 64, will be able to receive the full pension while pursuing another activity.
Once the legal retirement age is reached, or the basic pension is liquidated, potential reductions in pension may apply.
In addition, a motion adopted by the CRPN’s board of directors, all complemented by the imminent publication of a decree.
To learn more about the reasons for this anger: Aviation: why is a threat of strike looming over the French skies in August?
“Together, these three texts will secure the entire system and thus protect the autonomy of our fund, by preventing any transfer of financial flows or downward data from the CRPN to the CNAV“, the inter-union rejoices.
For reference, flight personnel had demanded their outright withdrawal from the cumul emploi-retraite reform.
Because of these advances and the strong commitment of the State, all unions decided to suspend their strike notice for the period from October 17 to 21.
The statement, however, specifies that this suspension does not mean that a strike or social movement cannot occur if the government fails to keep its promises.
Everything will depend on the publication of the promised decree.
The statement, however, specifies that this suspension does not mean that a strike or social movement cannot occur if the government fails to keep its promises.
Everything will depend on the publication of the promised decree.
