On Monday 20 November, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the Air Traffic Controllers European Unions' Coordination (ATCEUC) launched their “Our Rights, Your Safety” campaign opposing the European Commission communication on public service obligations in the aviation sector presented on 8 June last as part of the “aviation” package (see EUROPE 11804).
The launch of this campaign was the subject of a joint press conference between these two organisations in Brussels that day. The ETF and the ATCEUC also presented a “toolbox for successful social dialogue in air traffic management” and a petition demanding that the European Commission respects air-traffic management’s social rights.
Social partners consider that although the European Commission’s communication is not binding, it does seek to limit the right to strike particularly because it is demanding that workers and unions notify their action several days before it takes place.
There are essentially three kinds of trade union demands being made. Firstly, the trade unions are calling on the Commission to withdraw its communication. They would also like the latter to sign the toolbox. Finally, as part of a letter it is expected to present next September on aviation workers’ social rights, the ETF and ATCEUC are calling for the text to highlight the important role workers play in the sector. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)