Brussels Airlines workers threaten strike over flights to Israel, union cites ethical objections

A Belgian union, ACV Puls, has threatened a strike against Brussels Airlines over mandatory staffing for flights to Tel Aviv, citing safety and ethical concerns. The union states that the airline is breaking previous agreements to use volunteers for these flights, which resumed on August 3 after a five-month pause. ACV Puls spokesperson Jolinde Defieuw noted, "Serious concerns exist among the staff regarding both physical safety and the mental and ethical impact of these flights." The union argues that workers with "safety or conscientious objections must be able to refuse these flights without financial, professional, or disciplinary consequences." Brussels Airlines spokesperson Nico Cardone countered that safety is their "highest priority" and that the airline is "not a political party," making decisions based on safety and demand, not political discussions.