Brussels, 03/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - The trade unions are dissatisfied with the European Parliament transport committee's vote on Thursday 30 January on the Single European Sky 2+. Despite union action in some ten member states, MEPs have stuck to the philosophy underpinning the European Commission's proposal and have recommended liberalisation of air traffic management support services. The European Transport Workers Federation (EWF) feels that workers' concerns have been ignored and fears that this package will destabilise the sector and will only be in the commercial interest of the airlines. The EWF's political secretary, François Ballestero, criticised the introduction of low-cost air navigation services throughout Europe. The EWF wants to maintain a “public service” dimension in the sector. Compulsory structural separation of supervisory authorities and service providers is also sharply criticised, as well as the performance conditions that seek to cut costs at the expense of safety. The EWF considers that the European Commission's plan to reduce air navigation service costs by more than 22% is unrealistic. The unions are looking to the plenary vote at the European Parliament to change things. (MD/transl.fl)