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Civil Aviation

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.

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ON THE GROUND
The latest news on the issues affecting us all, and the actions we’re taking to improve our workers’ lives and futures.
News

Unruly passengers: more than just summer headlines

Summer may be synonymous with relaxation for holidaymakers and every summer seems to produce its share of eye-catching headlines. Just days ago, The Guardian reported on a drunk British holidaymaker who tried to kiss a flight attendant on a plane and was arrested on his way back through Palma airport. A week earlier, headlines were dominated by reports of a flight from Dublin to Ibiza descending into what was described as "sex and booze chaos," leaving fellow passengers shocked.
unruly passenger
unruly passengers
Civil Aviation
News

ELA report confirms urgent need for stronger social enforcement in aviation

Yesterday the European Labour Authority (ELA) presented its long-awaited report on the enforcement of labour mobility and social security coordination rules for aircrew members. The launch event brought together representatives of the European Commission, national enforcement authorities, employers and trade unions to discuss the practical challenges of enforcing aircrew rights in one of Europe's most cross-border sectors.
Civil Aviation
News

The Netherlands showing Europe the way: quality and reliable ground handling are incompatible with relentless competition

ETF welcomes the Dutch government's decision to award new ground handling concessions at Schiphol Airport to only three operators. By reducing the number of competing providers, Dutch authorities have chosen a model that prioritises operational stability, service quality and decent employment over relentless price competition. Unfortunately, the government failed to lay down agreements regarding self-handling, which would have made the reform even more positive.
Civil Aviation
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ISSUES

Since liberalisation in the 1990s, cheap fares and new airlines have transformed the industry—but at workers’ expense. Quality jobs have been eroded through outsourcing, agency work, zero-hour contracts and bogus self-employment, making aviation increasingly precarious.

Constant cost-cutting, unfair competition from non-European airlines, and new business models such as wet-leasing have created a downward spiral for workers. EU institutions have fuelled this by pushing for further liberalisation, even during economic crises.

COVID-19 exposed the fragility of the sector. While profits have rebounded, exploitation continues, showing the urgent need for fundamental change. 

The ETF Civil Aviation Section has set out an ambitious programme for 2022–2027 to defend workers’ rights and build a fairer industry.

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WHAT WE DO

As the largest organisation in Europe representing aviation workers, we favour building a sustainable aviation sector which puts people at its heart.

In our vision, sustainability is two-fold and centred around environmental and social sustainability. The era of greed in the aviation industry must end, and the industry must become one focused on long-term benefits for all rather than a short-term benefits for the few.

Promoting European social values and workers’ rights remain a crucial pillar of our future work – such as freedom of association, social dialogue, diversity, inclusivity, democracy and equality – we will make sure that aviation workers will never again be the biggest victims of a crisis in aviation.

WHERE WE FOCUS

We  aim to join forces with our aviation affiliates in our fight to create a diverse and fully democratic European aviation industry. An industry where the rights of all its workers, regardless of wealth, gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality or place of birth, are fully respected. An industry which offers sustainable and healthy jobs with proper working conditions and fair pay.

A sector that provides a more accessible and equitable place for women to work and is ready to listen to the voices of the next generations of trade unionists, including those from Central and Eastern Europe.

 

SOCIAL DIALOGUE

European social dialogue refers to discussions, consultations, negotiations and joint actions involving social partners: organisations representing the two sides of the industry – employers and workers – at the European level. 

For more information about social dialogue, see the European Commission website.

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OUR PEOPLE

ETF’s aviation work is overseen by the Civil Aviation Section, which sets policy, adopts resolutions, and elects its leadership (President, Vice-Presidents, Steering Committee members, plus Women’s and Youth Representatives). It meets twice a year and can establish committees or working groups as needed.

The Steering Committee, elected every four years, meets quarterly to drive policy between Section meetings and to propose the annual budget.

The Section currently has three committees:

  • Air Traffic Management
  • Joint Aircrew (cabin crew + pilots)
  • Ground Staff 

These committees reflect the views of ETF affiliate unions, elect their own Chairs, and are coordinated by the ETF Political Secretary for Civil Aviation.

SECTION COMMITTEE

Oliver Richardson

Unite
,
United Kingdom
Chair

Karsten John Kristensen

3F
,
Denmark
Vice Chair

Luigi Mansi

FIT-CISL
,
Italy
Vice Chair

Sandrine Nikolic-Fuss

Kapers
,
Switzerland
Vice Chair

Gauthier Sturtzer

USAC-CGT
,
France
Chair of Air Traffic Management Committee

Kris Major

Unite
,
United Kingdom
Chair of Joint Aircrew Committee

Daniela Modonesi

FiLT-CGIL
,
Italy
Chair of Ground Staff Committee

Noemi Cuerdo

FSC-CCOO
,
Spain
Ordinary Member

Jonas Eriksson

Unionen
,
Sweden
Ordinary Member

Ilse Berghmans

FNV
,
Netherlands
Ordinary Member

Lubomir Drenski

FFTUB
,
Bulgaria
Ordinary Member

Sigrun Jonsdottir

Icelandic Cabin Crew Association FFI
,
Iceland
Women's Representative

Coline Brou

FEETS-FO
,
France
Youth Representative

Robert Hengster

Ver.di
,
Germany
Co-opted Member

Alberto Mazzei

FIT-CISL
,
Italy
Co-opted Member

Arnaud Michel

CGT Transports
,
France
Co-opted Member
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