Multiple crises in recent years have showcased the fragility of the European aviation sector. Time and time again, we are reminded of the importance of aviation workers for the functioning of the industry and the subsistence of our way of life. Most notably, no one was ready for the impact of COVID-19, and trade unions were no exception.
This is why the ETF has been pushing for crisis preparedness amongst unions in the aviation sector through the ‘No Going Back’ Project, an EU-funded initiative. Extensive research has been done under this project, leading to the creation of practical tools that will soon be provided to all ETF affiliates and the general public. A crucial component of this project was the series of four Regional Workshops across Europe, during which the practical material was explained, tested and further developed, under the guidance of Kris Major, Chair of the ETF Joint Aircrew Committee.
The journey began in Helsinki on April 25/26, when representatives from Nordic and Baltic aviation unions started to work with the practical guide that had been produced. Ownership and control, sustainability and post-pandemic recovery were some topics covered by the discussion during the exercises. Real-world insights crucially enriched the proposed material, laying a strong foundation for subsequent workshops.
The second workshop was held in Amsterdam on July 4/5, gathering union representatives from Western Europe. The third one happened in Istanbul, on September 19/20, with the participation of unions from the Mediterranean region. These two workshops were essential to refining the practical toolboxes, while the lessons and the training for crisis preparedness naturally flowed from the participated exchanges.
This process culminated in Belgrade on November 20/21, with the final Regional workshop being dedicated to Central and Eastern European unions. This was the moment to put the created material to a definite test – and the outcome was a clear success. With the experience of representatives from yet another region of Europe, attendees made sure that the practical toolboxes for crisis preparedness were ready to be used for the benefit of all trade unions in aviation.
With the help of this material, we can hopefully say ‘No Going Back!’ From now on, unions in aviation will have an additional tool to face the crises that will come.
This journey would not have been possible without the generosity and professionalism of our affiliates and friends at AKT, IAU, FNV, HAVA-IS, and SMATSA. Beyond the concrete work developed in these workshops, an underlying spirit of international solidarity and unity was cherished every step of the way.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
