Fri, Jun 26, 2009
Concerns About a Lack Of Common Legal Framework for Labor
Relations
The Air Line Pilots
Association, Int’l (ALPA) joined the European Cockpit
Association (ECA) Thursday in calling for the assurance that the
next stage of United States-European Union air services agreement
provides a legal framework that protects workers and gives them a
way to settle disputes with management.
“National labor laws in 27 European Union states create
unclear protection for airline workers who may be based in one
country, while their company may be headquartered in another, and
they may fly between cities in still another EU state,” said
Captain Paul Rice, ALPA’s first vice-president, who expressed
the support of ALPA, at a news conference in Brussels
Wednesday.
In 2005, the European Union (EU) created a European Common
Aviation Area. In this area, EU airlines operate freely between
points in Europe and are able to base their flight crews in any EU
country. However, the EU has not created a single labor law that
applies to all EU flight crews.
“The lack of a
common legal framework for EU labor relations holds the potential
to take a drastic toll on airline workers,” continued Rice,
who cited the recent example of a partnership announced by United
Airlines and Aer Lingus. The partnership seeks to allow both
airlines to sell seats on a Washington-to-Madrid route, using Aer
Lingus aircraft but not employing United or Aer Lingus pilots.
Leveraging the new US-EU agreement, management is attempting to
circumvent its contract with United pilots, whose collective
bargaining agreement reflects hard-earned pay, benefits, and job
security as a result of decades of investment and dedication to
their airline.
“I speak for all ALPA members when I pledge our support
for the European Cockpit Association and our continued resolve to
pursue regulatory, legislative, and legal action needed to create
the standard protections that airline workers on both sides of the
Atlantic have earned and deserve,” concluded Rice.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]