PRESS RELEASE
EUROPEAN TRANSPORT WORKERS’ FEDERATION
FEDERATION EUROPEENNE DES TRAVAILLEURS DES TRANSPORTS
Brussels, 15 January 2010
Harmonization of air traffic control possible without social impact
ETF SUPPORTS STRIKE OF ATM PERSONNEL IN FRANCE
The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) expresses its support with the strike of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) personnel in France. The announcement of the French Ministry of Transport to support the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) consolidation in Functional Airspace Block Europe Central (FABEC) threatens jobs and employment conditions in the aviation sector. The ETF is convinced that harmonization of air traffic control is possible with positive social consequences instead of social losses. The ETF defends a model of cooperation, the “Co-op Model”, instead of consolidation to establish sustainable Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs). The ETF acknowledges that FABs can bring additional improvements over time. But a consolidation model for the implementation of FABs is not supported by the ETF. A single ANSP for FABEC can not guarantee that it would enhance safety or cost-effectiveness and creates indefensible social impact. Therefore the strong signal from the ATM personnel in France on 13 and 14 January is more than justified. There are other options available to reach a coherent air traffic control system for Europe. Options which can improve safety, increase flight efficiency and secure the social consequences of FAB implementation. François Ballestero, the Political Secretary of Civil Aviation said: “It’s time that the French Minister of Transport Mr. Bussereau establishes a real social dialogue with the ETF French unions in order to find a cooperative solution for the FABEC.” The Co-op Model ETF proposed the “Co-op Model” for sustainable FABs, both for the providers and their employees. The model is based on cooperation between ANSPs, and between employers and employees. It consists of Area Control Centers (ACCs) remotely located, but interconnected and operating technically as a single ATM centre. The Co-op Model allows the identification of information to be shared between different ATM systems. Through the Co-op Model, FABs can increase the performance with positive social consequences, improve safety, increase cost effectiveness and reduce environmental impact. Following the announcement from the French Ministry of Transport to support ANSP consolidation in the FABEC area, French unions affiliated to the ETF, representing the vast majority of ATM staff, decided to call for an industrial action on 13 and 14 January. The call for a strike had a high participation rate and the ETF reiterates its support and solidarity with its members in their fight for safeguarding its members terms and conditions while insuring the highest possible safety level.
For further information, please contact François Ballestero (Tel: +32 2 285 46 65, f.ballestero@etfeurope.org) The ETF represents more than 2.5 million transport workers from 225 transport unions and 41 European countries, in the following sectors: railways, road transport and logistics, maritime transport, inland waterways, civil aviation, ports & docks, tourism and fisheries. Rue du Marché aux Herbes 105, Bte 11, B – 1000 Brussels ? etf@etf-europe.org ? +32.2.285 46 60 www.etf-europe.org ? +32.2.280 08 17
