ACV Puls Union Threatens Strike Over Tel Aviv Flights

The Belgian trade union ACV Puls filed a strike notice on September 1, 2026, against Brussels Airlines over the carrier's decision to mandate crew assignments for flights to Tel Aviv. The union alleges the airline violated a previous agreement to use only volunteers for the route, which resumed on August 3 after a five-month pause. ACV Puls argues that employees with safety or conscientious objections should be allowed to refuse these flights without penalty, citing the ongoing war in Gaza and travel warnings from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Brussels Airlines defended the transition to mandatory staffing, stating that flights were operated by volunteers during the first few weeks of the summer resumption. The company maintains that it is now returning to standard duty roster procedures and that safety remains its highest priority. Spokesperson Nico Cardone rejected the union's demands, stating the airline is not a political party and makes operational decisions based on safety and demand.

ACV Puls has called on the Belgian government to intervene, noting the state's increasing criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. The union warned that labor actions will specifically target flights to and from Israel if the airline does not reverse its decision to mandate staffing.