European Trade Union Confederation Condemns Anti-Social Practices of Low Fares Airlines

Pilots in Norwegian Air Shuttle had been on strike for 11 days after their union, the Norwegian Pilot Union (NPU), demanded a collective agreement with the airline. The conflict ended in satisfaction for both parties on March 10. Meanwhile, Ryanair's refusal to negotiate a collective agreement with Danish unions in Copenhagen has sparked concern. The European Transport Workers' Federation and its members Parat (Norway) and FPU (Denmark) are combating anti-social practices of low fares airlines, demanding recognition of trade unions and their ability to negotiate collective agreements. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) expresses deep concern over the development in the European air transport sector, where some airline companies disregard rules and refuse to negotiate with workers.

Key Takeaways:

• The Norwegian Pilot Union (NPU) demanded a collective agreement with Norwegian Air Shuttle, leading to an 11-day strike that ended in satisfaction for both parties on March 10.
• Ryanair is establishing a base in Copenhagen, but has refused the Danish unions' request for a collective agreement, sparking concern over anti-social practices in the low fares airline industry.
• The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and its members are combating anti-social practices of low fares airlines, demanding recognition of trade unions and their ability to negotiate collective agreements.
• The ETUC Executive Committee expresses deep concern over the development in the European air transport sector, where some airline companies disregard rules and refuse to negotiate with workers.
• The ETUC demands that European authorities immediately revise the current regulations of the sector in close cooperation with the representative social partners.
• The ongoing conflict between Ryanair and Danish unions highlights the need for common European rules to secure good working conditions for all employees in the sector.
• The ETUC views the conduct of the managements of Ryanair and other low fares airlines as an attack on all workers in Europe, and a template for how to destroy the European collective agreement model.

Statistics:

• 11 days: the duration of the Norwegian pilots' strike
• 1: the number of collective agreement requested by the Norwegian Pilot Union
• 1: the number of European Transport Workers' Federation members (ETF) combating anti-social practices of low fares airlines
• 1: the number of European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Executive Committee expressing deep concern over the development in the European air transport sector
• multiple: the number of airline companies disregarding established rules and refusing to negotiate with workers

Sources:

• European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) press release
• ETF Executive Board statement
• Report by the Norwegian Pilot Union (NPU)
• Information from the Danish unions, Parat and FPU