Aviation in Africa – Get ready for take-off

African economies are flourishing. Many vital indicators confirm this development. Most countries are at peace and HIV infections in the worst-affected countries have been declining for the last few years. Expectations are positive as well. Consumer spending is expected to double in the next ten years, and the GDP is expected to rise by an […]


September 23, 2013

Ryanair voted ‘worst’ brand for customer service (travelmole.com)

Ryanair has come bottom in a customer service survey of 100 UK brands by Which? magazine. The airline scored just 54% in the poll, compared to 88% scored by the winner, cosmetics firm Lush. The Which? report said Ryanair, along with BT and Talk Talk, deserved special mention for ‘poor’ two-star ratings in every element […]


September 20, 2013

Cathay in row with Qantas over budget airline (travelmole.com)

Cathay Pacific is embroiled in a row with Qantas Airways and China Eastern Airlines about their plans to launch a budget airline in the Chinese territory. John Slosar, Cathay’s chief executive, said Hong Kong should not grant Jetstar Hong Kong a licence as the airline’s “principal place of business” would not be Hong Kong – […]


September 16, 2013

ITF news online

Comments Off on Lobbying underway by ITF civil aviation unions over the ‘big issues’

Lobbying underway by ITF civil aviation unions over the ‘big issues’

ITF civil aviation unions from across the world are lobbying their governments on key worker and industry issues in the run up to the latest ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) meeting.

The ITF will present seven working papers during the 38th ICAO Assembly which begins on 24 September. Civil aviation representatives from governments are a large part of the decision making process on issues tabled over the two-week period.
 
One of the seven areas to be covered is the situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar where freedom of association and collective bargaining rights are being denied to ground and cabin crew despite their being employed by highly successful, rapidly expanding airlines. The ITF is urging agreement from the ICAO for action in conjunction with the ILO (International Labour Organization), and in support of an ITF campaign which will be coordinated alongside the ongoing ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) campaign for labour rights in Qatar.
 
Meanwhile, among other papers to be presented are those covering the need for restraints for the under twos onboard aircraft, the need for the removal of national obstacles to the collection of safety related information by airline staff, air pollution at airports, and cabin air quality and it’s potential negative impact on cabin crew.
 
Secretary of the ITF civil aviation section Gabriel Mocho said: “The issues the ITF is taking forward to the ICAO are the big ones, not just for unions but for passengers and for the industry. National lobbying is key to bringing these topics to the forefront of the agenda and that’s what ITF affiliates are doing, and will be doing more of, over the next couple of weeks.”
 
Civil aviation unions are being asked to try and identify their government’s ICAO liaison, to explain the purpose of the proposals in order to gain their support.
 
Forassistance, advice or to let the ITF know what you’re doing to support in the run up to the ICAO meeting email: civilaviation@itf.org.uk


September 12, 2013

First steps agreed in bid for Gulf aviation basic rights

The session on anti-union Gulf states this morning heard from an ITF panel composed of Sarah Finke, Mahendra Sharma, Stuart Howard, and Gabriel Mocho. They covered the following points: Freedom of association in the Gulf States is a regional matter but also a global one. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are global businesses that avoid […]


Basic labour rights in aviation

Aviation union leaders from Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya and Jordan discuss support for a basic labour rights for aviation workers in Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways. The three airline giants are the fastest growing airlines in the world and between them employ more than 70,000 workers, pilots, cabin crew and ground staff, of […]


September 11, 2013

ITF news online

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ITF unveils new network for DHL pilots

The ITF and its member unions are launching the DHL pilots network, a new initiative for flight deck professionals and their unions in DHL’s global aviation operations.


September 3, 2013

USA: Safety and health protections in the cabin become reality thanks to unions

On 22 August 2013, Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), made the following statement in support of the FAA’s final policy statement addressing flight attendant workplace safety in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): “Today’s [22th of August’s] announcement by the FAA means that America’s flight attendants who […]


August 28, 2013