Air France plans to cut 2,900 jobs – 1,700 ground staff, 900 cabin crew and 300 pilots – in 2016.
ITF civil aviation secretary Gabriel Mocho said: “We supported the actions and will continue to back our affiliates in their battle with Air France.
“We unconditionally deplore social violence – and our Air France affiliates immediately denounced the isolated incident in an otherwise peaceful demonstration. Forcing skilled workers to unemployment is the original act of violence.”
The ITF expresses its opposition to any attempt to criminalise the actions of trade unions, and it is demanding the reinstatement of the dismissed workers.
Air France unions have called for tripartite social dialogue in order to define a strategy of industrial redevelopment of the airline instead of a strategy of job and costs reduction. They have already worked with Air France to implement important productivity efforts.
The ITF encourages affiliates to act in unity and the syndicate of Air France unions has also announced a national demonstration on 22 October to protest against the company’s dismissal plan and to demand a better future for Air France. Several ITF affiliates have already committed support to them.
If your union is planning any solidarity action for the Air France workers, please let the ITF know by sending an email to aviation@itf.org.uk.
