Unite for
Jobs civil aviation transport workers
Civil aviation workers are currently facing the harshest
economic challenges within the sector for many years. Airline
operators have seen their passenger revenues plummet as a result of
the banking crisis and the knock-on effects are now impacting on
the hard fought terms and conditions of Unite members have
consistently secured within their respective workplaces.
- Cabin Crew - The major airlines have all
announced plans to review their current operations, British Airways
has recorded losses of £200 million for 2008. BMI reported £80
million loss. Virgin Atlantic has announced their intentions to
make redundant, some 450 cabin crew jobs. Unite Cabin crew reps are
under increasing pressure in all areas of the workplace, with some
companies taking the opportunity to introduce long term changes, to
crew compliments, working patterns, and crew benefits way beyond
what could be described as agreeable adjustments.
- Ground Services - The industry continues to
disregard the effect that continual cost cutting has on Unite
members. The drive for a cheaper model within ground handling,
airport ops, and security, is a constant struggle for our members.
The threat of a contract ending with the workforce inevitably being
TUPE transferred onto a new unknown employer is never ending. Job
security is crucial for Unite members. BAA has announced that it
will be required to sell off three airports, which again bring
uncertainty for thousands of Unite members. The union is working
hard to ensure that our members do not suffer as a result of
enforced change.
- Engineering - Competition within aircraft
maintenance is ever present. Third party work and changes to
working practices to suit these developments is impacting on Unite
engineering members existing terms and conditions. The financial
crisis is affecting the ability of airlines to purchase the new
more efficient aircraft required to meet environmental regulations.
This has a direct negative impact on our members in aerospace who
manufacture the new engines and aircraft. Unite is doing everything
it can to avoid compulsory redundancies, and are currently in
negotiations with British Airways and Monarch Aircraft Engineering
amongst others.
These are just some of issues facing Unite CAT members. However,
they do highlight the importance of supporting each other in this
difficult climate. Unite firmly believes that the CAT sector
will recover, but the damage will be long term if we do not show
the determination to stand together throughout the coming
months.
We can do this, and in doing so show the support for our fellow
workers in all other industries currently under attack. That is why
we are urging all our CAT members to support for Unite for Jobs
campaign and demonstrate the solidarity we all need now and in the
future.
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