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Joint ATCEUC – ETF Press Conference

Press release

Members of the press are cordially invited to attend the joint press conference of the Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) where the campaign ‘Our Rights – Your Safety’ will be presented in reply to the Commission recommendations to restrict the right to strike of Air Traffic Controllers.

When? 

Monday 20 November, 11.30 to 12.30

Where? 

International Press Center

Rue de la Loi 155

1040 Brussels (Club room)

ATCEUC and ETF are launching a campaign to oppose the European Commission   Staff Working Document “Practices Favouring Air Traffic Continuity”. The proposed recommendations significantly encroach the national sovereignty of Member States and contradict the Article 153 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which clearly states that the right to strike is excluded from EU competencies. The Commission directly interferes with the exclusive competence of the Member States on this issue. At the press conference ATCEUC and ETF will present, notably, the petition they are launching to stop the Commission’s approach on this. 

The best approach to prevent conflicts and promote good relations is to establish a constructive social dialogue. For this reason, ATCEUC and ETF have developed jointly with the European ATM employers’ organisation CANSO a ‘Toolbox for Successful Social Dialogue’. Instead of attacking fundamental workers’ rights, a positive cooperation and a genuine dialogue are needed to relaunch the EU growth and the Single European Sky, ensure safe flights and create quality jobs in aviation.

For questions or further information, please contact François BALLESTERO (ETF), f.ballestero@etf-europe.org, mob. +32 474 916979 or Jean-Denis LARRERE (ATCEUC), larrere@atceuc.org, mob. +33 627754207

European Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC) was created in 1989 and is currently composed of 32 professional and autonomous trade unions representing more than 14000 Air Traffic Controllers and Air Traffic Safety Engineering Personnel throughout Europe. ATCEUC is a recognized social partner in air traffic management.
European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) represents more than 386,000 civil aviation workers from 81 trade unions located in 42 European countries. We are a recognized social partner and the only representative of aviation workers across all sub-sectors (air traffic management, aircrew, ground handling, maintenance, etc.).

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