Reality check: What’s behind the flight delays

21 Mar 2017

Members of the press are cordially invited to attend the joint press conference of the European Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) where a study will be presented in reply to the alleged economic impact of air traffic controller strikes in Europe.

When? 

Monday 27 March 2017, 11.00 to 12.00 am

 

Where? 

International Press Center
Rue de la Loi 155
1040 Brussels (Club room)

The right to workers’ representation and collective action are enshrined in the founding Treaties of the European Union. International evidence shows that free and independent trade unions have a positive impact on productivity, competitiveness as well as safety.

However, airlines and their new lobby association are increasingly questioning those fundamental rights under the guise of the alleged damages caused by air traffic controllers’ (ATC) strikes. At the press conference ATCEUC and ETF will unveil surprising data behind the causes of flight delays and their economic impact. 

In the framework of the European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Civil Aviation, ATCEUC and ETF have developed jointly with the European ATM employers’ organisation CANSO  a ‘Toolbox for Successful Social Dialogue’ especially to prevent conflicts and promote good relations within ANSPs (air navigation service providers). It demonstrates the true commitment of the recognised social partners for constructive social dialogue and positive cooperation rather than attacking fundamental rights. A copy of the toolbox will also be made available at the press conference.

For questions or further information, please contact François BALLESTERO (ETF), f.ballestero@etf-europe.org, mob. +32 479 512 117 or Jean-Denis LARRERE (ATCEUC), larrere@atceuc.org.  

European Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC) was created in 1989 and is currently composed of 32 professional and autonomous trade unions representing more than 14000 Air Traffic Controllers throughout Europe. ATCEUC is a recognized social partner in air traffic management.
European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) represents more than 270,000 civil aviation workers from 81 trade unions located in 42 European countries. We are a recognized social partner and the only representative of aviation workers across all sub-sectors (air traffic management, aircrew, ground handling, maintenance, etc.).