IFALPA Conference statement on Avianca

The 73rd Conference of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) in Luxembourg condemns the continued labour abuses inflicted by Avianca Airlines management upon the pilots of Asociación Colombiana de Aviadores Civiles (Acdac).

The IFALPA Conference calls on Avianca management to immediately reinstate all terminated pilots and cease all legal action against the Acdac Board of Directors and pilots.

The anti-union activities, including disciplinary actions and dismissals, have affected more than 200 pilots. Avianca is retaliating against the qualified and experienced Colombian airline pilots, who honoured their union’s strike, by replacing them with foreign pilots.

Avianca pilots are being denied their basic human rights to collectively bargain salary and working conditions and not be subject to discrimination based on union membership. These actions are in direct contravention of International Labour Organization Fundamental Conventions 87 and 98. The Colombian government has ratified these conventions and is obligated to abide by them. They need to take immediate action to honour their commitments.

The ‘non-punitive’ or ‘Positive Safety Culture’ recommended in ICAO Annex 19 is being ignored, which may adversely affect flight safety.

IFALPA Conference statement on RyanAir

The global pilot community supports the common and transnational efforts of the Ryanair Pilots in their quest for fair and equitable terms and conditions and secure, stable employment.

The 73rd IFALPA Conference calls on Ryanair management to respect the wishes of its pilots and to enter into fair and meaningful negotiations.