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PIlot Unity at its best!

Reinvigorating pilot unity and overwhelming support for colleagues in Ryanair are the highlights of the past weeks at ECA. Our friends from the other side of the North Atlantic came over to Ireland and the UK, just to show that Pilot Unity doesn’t stop at the borders. At the same time, pilots from around Europe donated money to the ECA initiated Pilot Unity Fund, raising quickly over 130.000€! Some individual donations were so generous that we were speechless – we simply did not expect this! A big “Thank You” to all supporters!

Late November, the community of our members met in Brussels for the annual ECA General Assembly. Of course, the developments of the past weeks and months took a top spot on our agenda. This Assembly was held in this new spirit of cross-border unity that has been created through our colleagues in Ryanair. We discussed how their representation could be provided in a pragmatic and effective way. Although the industry is going towards Transnational Airlines since more than a decade, Ryanair is clearly the most challenging and complex system in that context. With more than 80 bases in many EU countries, this company keeps claiming that only one labour law applies: the Irish. And only that one form of staff ‘dialogue’ is allowed: its own management-imposed top-down system. I assume there will be a hard awakening soon for O’Leary!

Milestone decision towards a new system of labour representation, approved at ECA General Assembly

The results of our discussion with the leaders of European Pilot Unions are a milestone towards a new system of labour representation. Pilots that frequently have to change their bases, will be able to easily join the local pilot union, without losing any of their rights or – most probably more important – their legal protection. This will provide the clear link to the national labour law, while – at the same time – protecting the individual from intimidation or – even worse – dismissal. Unfortunately, the first cases are already happening, and we will have to use our Pilot Unity Fund soon.

Another point on our agenda were the ECA Board elections. As the pilot community is facing challenging times, we were able to strengthen our team with a new, motivated member: Damien Lataste from SNPL France is now supporting us with his experience and knowledge. I would like to welcome him to the team! Furthermore, we have a new Vice-President: Otjan de Brujin from VNV Netherlands. He takes over the Vice-President position from Jon Horne (BALPA UK), who in turn steps into the role of a Professional Affairs Board Director. Last, but not least: Clemens Kopetz from Aeropers Swiss ALPA will be the one making sure the ECA Administration & Finances are in order, taking over from Frédéric Schaaf. Thank you all for your continuing support!

As the holidays are on their final approach for landing on runway 24, I wish you all a peaceful Christmas with your family & friends. And – of course – a good start into a great year for Pilot Unity!

by Capt. Dirk Polloczek

As the holidays are on their final approach for landing on runway 24, I wish you all a peaceful Christmas with your family & friends. And – of course – a good start into a great year for Pilot Unity!