Unions representing flight crew in France have announced a five-day national strike, scheduled from October 17 to 21, 2026, in response to a proposed reform of the employment-retirement overlap. This reform aims to align the way people work and retire, but the unions argue it unfairly affects flight crew members. The strike includes pilots and cabin crew employed by companies operating in France and subject to French labor laws. As of now, no airline has confirmed how this strike might affect flights or cause cancellations. The strike is organized by a coalition of unions, including UNSA PNC, SNPNC-FO, SNGAF, SNPL, and UNAC. They have called for a full work stoppage from October 17 at midnight to October 21 at 11:59 PM, Paris time. The strike applies to flights operated by companies under French legislation, including French airlines and foreign carriers that employ workers under French contract law. The main issue is a reform of the employment-retirement overlap, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The unions say the reform is too harsh for flight crew jobs, which involve regular medical checks and age limits for certain roles. They want technical flight crew (pilots) and commercial (flight attendants) to be exempt from the reform, as well as the Caisse de retraite du personnel navigant professionnel de l'aéronautique civile (CRPN), through changes in laws and regulations. The CRPN manages the mandatory additional pension plan for pilots, flight attendants, stewards, and other flight crew in France. The unions are worried the reform could reduce the pensions paid by the CRPN, especially after people start receiving their basic pension from the CNAV, the main French pension fund. They say the government has only made limited promises and that any exemption is not legally guaranteed. The CRPN works by collecting contributions from employees and employers to fund pensions, with additional financial reserves. It manages four funds: retirement, temporary increase, insurance (for incapacity or death related to air service), and social action. However, the Court of Audits has noted a long-term financial challenge, partly because flight crew tend to retire earlier than the general population and face a less favorable demographic situation. By the end of 2024, the reserves were 5.1 billion euros, down from 5.5 billion in 2019. The strike does not automatically lead to flight cancellations, as the impact depends on how many workers participate and how airlines plan to manage the situation. Travelers with plans during the strike dates are advised to check updates from their airline, airport, or travel agency. Airlines are expected to provide solutions for affected customers if there are changes or cancellations. The coalition of unions remains open to negotiating with the government, saying they are "ready today to discuss again with the government in order to achieve our demands." The dispute continues as the deadline for social reforms approaches in less than a month.