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NO to any Social Cutbacks for Cabin Crew Staff, NO to any Risks for Passenger Safety

4 November 2008

Cabin crew onboard plane with oxygen mask

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), which represents more than 250,000 civil aviation employees in Europe, was informed by its French affiliates (CFDT, CFTC, CGT, FO, SNPNC and UNSA) of the strike call, which these affiliates issued for all cabin crew (CC) staff for 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 November 2008.

Without any consultation or negotiation, the Members of Parliament from the governing majority want to increase the flight age limit for cabin crew staff from 55 to 65 years and from 60 to 65 years of age for technical flight crew.

A question, which is as important as the increase in the age limit of flight crew (up to the legal retirement age in France), must not be a subject of a strong-handed legislative effort in the form of a single vote amending the existing law.

In the highly specialised jobs of flight personnel, this issue has immediate consequences for the employment of the staff concerned; their work-related stress, health, qualifications, general working conditions; and the life and safety of their passengers.

ETF wishes to recall that all these issues are subject to studies on the European level (either by the Commission, EASA or even the social partners). It is therefore premature to open a Pandora’s box and to hastily introduce measures, whose effects are unknown and could be detrimental to aviation safety.

As a consequence, ETF reiterates the need for a high-quality social dialogue with the unions through negotiations and proposes to take the necessary time to study all aspects of this sensitive issue.

ETF shall support all actions taken by its French affiliates in view of withdrawing the proposals to extend the length of the crew’s working life and of quickly introducing high-quality social consultations covering all dimensions of the issue at stake.

Additional information is available from: f.ballestero@etf-europe.org

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