Sectoral Social Dialogue partners focus on COVID-19 recovery

On 10 September, the Aircrew Working Group, a subgroup of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Aviation comprised of the employer / employee social partners, met with agenda topics covering the impact of COVID-19 on air crews, discussions relating to joint statements on both the uncoordinated approach by States in respect of border closures and quarantines and addressing the need for continued payment support schemes for aviation. A final topic on compliance with the EASA/ECDC guidelines was also raised. 

All social partners voiced their deep dissatisfaction on the management of travel restrictions and borders, particularly noting the uncoordinated way these restrictions have been applied. A draft text was circulated to members for their feedback and a joint statement agreed and has subsequently transmitted to the Social Attachés to provide a strong coherent message to the upcoming Transport Council. 

The employment situation was discussed at length, with those present stressing the need to keep aircrew employable, including the extension of licenses, and in particular highlighting a necessity to extend the payroll support schemes to aircrew. In a similar manner to the joint statement on travel restrictions, members were canvassed for their opinions and a final text  has been agreed to be transmitted to both Employment and Transport Councils. 

With regards to compliance of the EASA/ECDC guidelines, there were some concerns raised that there had been various applications of the guidelines implemented by the airlines. This view was rejected by the airline associations, who strongly believed operators were aligning themselves to the guidance of both ICAO and EASA. The relevance of this topic under the framework of social dialogue was also questioned by the airline partners. A follow-up is expected at the next meeting towards the end of the year.

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