ITF & ETF stand with pilots over safety threat

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) stand in support of three major pilot organisations who joined forces and issued a strong statement opposing reduced crew operations. The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), the European Cockpit Association (ECA) and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (US-ALPA), rightfully describe […]


March 29, 2023

New aviation gloom is a result of neglecting poor countries in vaccine roll out

We should be looking ahead, this International Civil Aviation Day, to the challenges of economic recovery and climate change. Instead, we’re still gripped by the devastating impact that Covid-19 continues to have of aviation workers and the industry worldwide. Governments in some rich countries have put their own vaccine programmes ahead of tackling the pandemic […]


December 7, 2021

Wise heads must prevail in air traffic control changes ITF says

Credit: Beckett P Air traffic controllers and their unions should be actively involved in decision-making about the future of the air traffic services sector in this time of intense political and technological change, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has said. The call to use air traffic controllers’ experience and expertise more wisely comes on […]


October 20, 2021

“Airlines are overlooking the mental health and wellbeing of pilots and other aviation workers in their scramble to get planes flying again” (www.theguardian.com)

By Rory Carroll Researchers say industry practice should change to encourage workers to seek help when they need it Airlines are overlooking the mental health and wellbeing of pilots and other aviation workers in their scramble to get planes flying again, according to researchers. Many aviation workers experienced anxiety, stress and depression during Covid-19 lockdowns, […]


June 3, 2021

Colombian air traffic controllers warn of staff shortages

The ITF affiliate ACDECTA – Asociación Colombiana de Controladores Aéreos – is demanding the government hire and train more air traffic controllers, due to the workload increase that is jeopardizing the safety of air operations in the country. According to ACDECTA, the increase in air operations is forcing air traffic controllers to do 12-hour shifts, […]


November 11, 2019

ITF calls on global airlines to refuse to assist in forced deportations

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) fights for the rights of airline workers globally, including ground staff, cabin crew and pilots. ITF has become increasingly concerned about the role of commercial airlines in forced deportations and the impact this has on front-line staff.


October 26, 2018

36,000 feet in the air, flight attendants and passengers say ‘Me, Too’ (npr.org)

By David Schaper Teri, a flight attendant for 12 years, says she experienced a disturbing situation on a flight just last week. “I encountered a gentleman, maybe in his 20s, who was lying across a row of seats on a light flight, inappropriately touching himself, with children sitting around him.” Teri says “his pants were […]


July 10, 2018

Too fat to fly? (dotemirates.com)

Employees from regional carriers including Qatar Airways have confided to Arab News that they have faced being grounded or have been “humiliated” by their employers for being overweight. A former Qatar Airways cabin member, who asked to be quoted by his first name “Martin,” said when he worked for the Doha-based airline he was sent […]


November 13, 2017