In Summary
Civil aviation is a significant driver of economic growth and jobs in Europe. However, large parts of the sector have lost their power as an engine able to generate direct employment.
In addition to this, the quality of jobs in aviation has deteriorated. The globalisation of air transport and its liberalisation in the early 1990s has led to a consolidation of the aviation industry without establishing a legal framework that protects workers’ rights. The European aviation industry must offer fair opportunities for workers, while rogue competition under the pretext of cheaper fares should be forbidden. The ETF civil aviation section works to achieve common positions and develop common policies on European issues to improve the quality of the jobs and working conditions for aviation workers.
Latest news
View allETF Vision for Civil Aviation
We live in times of tremendous change and uncertainty. Established geopolitical relations, perspectives, and economic assumptions are being reassessed and reframed. In parallel, the effects of liberalisation continue to shape the aviation sector, increasing the vulnerability of the industry. Learn more about ETF priorities for the coming years in the ETF Vision for Civil Aviation here.
Young Aviation Workers Demand Change!
From the outside, aviation may still seem like a glamorous industry. But for many young workers – aircrew, ground staff, and air traffic management (ATM) personnel – the daily reality is a grind of fatigue, insecurity, and unsustainable schedules. In two recent workshops hosted by ETF, young aviation workers shared their lived experiences around the topics of work-life balance and mental health.
ETF warns: Lowering air passenger rights will put frontline workers at risk
Aviation workers are concerned about the Council of Transport Ministers agreement on the air passenger rights reform decided by yesterday’s Transport Council. The agreed attacks on passenger rights, such as increasing the threshold for compensation from 3 to 4 hour delays, can have serious consequences for airlines and airports frontline workers, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) warns.