French gov't in talks with air traffic controllers

[February 24, 2010]  PARIS (AP) -- A strike by French air traffic controllers disrupted flights for a second day Wednesday, while the environment minister expressed hope for a quick end to the walkout.

The strike has led to the massive delays and cancellations at Paris' two main airports, mainly of domestic and European short-haul flights.

At Orly airport, south of Paris, extra personnel were on hand to advise passengers whose flights were canceled on alternate routes.

That was little comfort to Sabine Jossel, scheduled to attend a geology symposium outside Marseille. "I don't understand this strike," she said after her flight was delayed four hours and then canceled. "After a certain time, people are going to get angry."

Ali Arrouche, 56, was trying to get to Algeria to see his ailing mother.

"It's miserable. I'm upset. I'm not happy. I am angry. I was told that I would be here until Sunday," said Arrouche, who works in construction.

Unions representing the controllers called the strike Tuesday to protest planned reforms that workers fear will lead to losses of jobs and civil servant benefits. They have vowed to continue the walkout through Friday if their demands are not met.

Environment Minister Jean-Louis Borloo said he had assured union representatives that they would not lose their civil servant status. Speaking on France-2 television, Borloo said he hopes the controllers vote to end the strike later Wednesday.

[Associated Press; By DEBORAH SEWARD]

Associated Press writers Angela Charlton and Fanny Dassie contributed to this report.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.