The National Air Traffic Controllers Association today [on 10 October 2013] hosted a rally calling on lawmakers to end the government shutdown immediately. Gathering on Capitol Hill, NATCA’s leaders, alongside representatives from across the aviation community, made clear that it is not business as usual for the aviation system during this government shutdown. “There are […]
The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) and the ETF (European Transport Workers’ Federation) today pledged their support for workers at Sofia airport. The two organisations are sounding the alarm after receiving information alleging that the management of Sofia Airport has been ignoring workers’ internationally agreed labour rights on the freedom of association – as well […]
The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), the union that represents aviation safety inspectors, systems specialists and other aviation professionals at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), rallied on Capitol Hill against the government shutdown on 10 October 2013. PASS National President Mike Perrone released the following statement: “Today [10 October 2013], PASS stands alongside the […]
Turkish Airlines (THY) CEO Temel Kotil attended a conference held at the İstanbul Technical University (İTÜ) on 8 October, where he was met by a group of students, demonstrating in support of the strike at THY and protesting against the airline’s use of strike-breakers. Kotil was invited to ITU as part of a career day […]
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), National President Mike Perrone released the following statement regarding the recall of some aviation safety inspectors at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “PASS appreciates the FAA working within the constraints of this government shutdown to bring back critical safety employees, but we stand firm in the belief that all […]
The ITF last week slammed ongoing trade union rights violations in Bahrain, highlighting the experience of the Bahrain Airport Service (BAS) union, a member of ITF-affiliated General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU).
Back in 2011, thousands of BAS workers were dismissed from work, including union president Yousef Al Khaja. Although a delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) received assurances in 2012 that Al Khaja and the other dismissed workers would be reinstated, this has yet to happen. Delegates to the ITF Arab world regional conference in September decided that solidarity with the dismissed workers of Bahrain is a key resolution for the region.
In a letter to BAS, the ITF highlighted a number of complaints, including the length of time being taken to reinstate the union president, despite the necessary administrative procedures being complete. The ITF also refers to other apparently anti-union measures, including the closure of the union’s headquarters, the company’s failure to deduct union subscription fees, and the abolition of trade union representation on the Joint Committee for Saving, a joint government and corporate body set up to identify areas where money can be saved.
The letter from acting general secretary Steve Cotton notes that: The ITF believes these actions by BAS, taking place during the collective bargaining period, undermine social dialogue and are designed to put an end to trade union activity at BAS…the ITF will be monitoring the situation closely.
Salman Mahfouz, GFTBU general secretary, said: “It is time to reinstate Yousef Al Khaja as president of BAS union. Both the Ministry of Labour and the Bassiouni report said that his dismissal was arbitrary, and related to his union activities. This case has affected thousands of workers – some are still waiting to return to work. Yousef’s dismissed colleagues have all now returned to work – therefore we demand he is reinstated as soon as possible. This case represents a clear violation of international labour standards and freedom of association.”
PALEA union, ITF affiliate in Philippines yesterday joined the ITF call for solidarity action to support Turkish Airlines (THY) workers. As THY doesn’t fly to Manila, PALEA members established a solidarity picket in front of the Turkish Airlines Sales Office in Ayala Avenue, Makati City. The area is the main business district in Metro Manila. PALEA […]
The ITF has announced the latest wave of support for striking civil aviation workers as they pass 140 days of an indefinite strike against employers, Turkish Airways (THY).