**Industry context** The French air traffic control system has long been a flashpoint in European aviation. With some of the highest strike rates in Europe, it regularly causes delays and cancellations that ripple across the continent. The Court of Auditors' report, published in early July, was the latest in a series of official critiques targeting the DSNA (Direction des Services de la Navigation Aérienne), the state agency responsible for en-route and terminal control. The report highlighted low productivity, high absenteeism, and generous compensation schemes, and even suggested removing controllers from the civil service — a radical move previously applied to telecoms and postal workers. **MyATPS angle** For ATPL and ATC students, this dispute is not just a political spat — it directly affects the operational environment you will work in. Understanding the legal and regulatory framework around minimum service is essential for planning flights and managing disruptions. The Court's recommendation to guarantee 65% of planned traffic during strikes would, if implemented, change the way airlines and ATC units coordinate during industrial action. As a future pilot or controller, you need to know what your rights and obligations are when a strike is called, and how service continuity is ensured. **Analysis** The SNCTA's rebuttal focuses on two key points: data accuracy and legal feasibility. The union claims the Court used incorrect strike dates and misrepresented the impact of walkouts. More importantly, it argues that the proposed 65% minimum service level violates the principle of proportionality enshrined in French labour law — the idea that the number of staff required to work during a strike must be proportional to the number of non-striking employees. This legal nuance is critical: if the Court's recommendation were adopted without legislative change, it could be struck down by the Conseil d'État (the highest administrative court). **What this means for students** Whether you are studying for your ATPL or training as an air traffic controller, this case illustrates the tension between operational efficiency and workers' rights. In your exams, you may encounter questions on contingency planning, NOTAMs related to strikes, or the legal basis for minimum service. More broadly, it shows how regulatory decisions in one country can affect the entire European network — a key theme in your Air Law and Operational Procedures modules. **Conclusion** The standoff between the SNCTA and the Court of Auditors is far from over. The French government will have to decide whether to push through reforms that could face legal challenges or seek a negotiated solution. For now, students should monitor developments closely, as any change to strike rules will have a direct impact on flight planning and ATC operations.