Some 900 pilots from six airlines threaten walkouts
More walkouts may take place soon in Sweden, despite a strike by SAS employees being resolved this week. Around 900 pilots from six different airlines are now protesting on behalf of their counterparts’ salaries and working conditions.
The pilots are expressing sympathy for the employees hired by international recruitment firm Global Employer Company, which places cabin crew on SAS flights via British low-cost carrier Flybe.
The recruitment company reached an agreement with cabin crew, ending the two-day strike this week. But today it emerged that relationships between the hiring firm and staff remain tense, as 900 pilots said they were joining the dispute. They say their contracted counterparts are working under very different schedules and terms.
“As it is now, GEC has the ability to schedule them to work for up to 13 hours with only a short meal break of 20 minutes during a flight,” explained Tommy Larsson, a negotiator for Swedish pilot union SPF.
The 900 pilots fly for SAS, Amapola, Braathens Regional, Malmö Aviation, Novair and Tuifly.
