Strike Impacts Air Cargo Shipping

International air cargo shipping is all about timing. Most shippers choose to move their freight shipment by air if they have an important deadline to meet for their business. That is why it is especially important for all major airfreight carriers to end a strike at all cost. Recently, IAG (International Airlines Group), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, just agreed to a compromise in hopes of ending a massive strike from their workers. Freight forwarders have been especially paying attention to the strike and what it means for shipping.

The origin of the strike began in February after IAG originally planned to terminate 3,807 positions. Several days of striking have resulted in a $3.9 Million loss of business (approximately 3 million euros) each of the 10 days of striking so far. The workers were also planning a future strike around Easter, which could continue to hurt the international airfreight industry.

To prevent any future strikes, IAG recently agreed to a compromise that would save 666 jobs and increase redundancy payouts for other workers. The workers are also anticipated to hopefully accept the compromise from the mediator this week. During the strike, it has been reported that Iberia probably couldn't operate 15% of their long-haul fights and 38% of their medium haul flights. That means that less cargo shipments were carried out during the strike.

In order for the air cargo industry to grow, customers must depend on carriers for their expeditious shipping services and on freight forwarders for their instant air freight shipping quotes online. Delays in airfreight shipping, including a strike, could affect how often supply chains might trust airfreight shipping.