The latest in aviation and industrial news from around the world BALPA responds to summer chaos headlines READ MORE Executive Presidents welcome There has barely been a day gone by in recent weeks without travel chaos hitting the headlines. The lack of staff, particularly experienced staff, has meant that the aviation industry has hogged the headlines again for all the wrong reasons. Pilots were not surprised that there have been some serious challenges for airlines as they work to re-establish services in the wake of the pandemic. BALPA have continued to call out the wholesale tearing up of agreements, widespread slashing of remuneration and the much tighter labour market that has meant airlines have struggled to recruit and train sufficient personnel to mount the planned services. Although many pilots were largely insulated from this by good company council advocacy and negotiations, not all have returned to pre-pandemic terms and conditions, and training systems have been under prolonged pressure to quickly return large numbers of pilots to the line. Company councils and BALPA as a whole continue to hold employers to account, and to push to ensure that terms and conditions and safety (see article on Wizz, below) are a top priority. BALPA also recognises the role the Government has played in the crisis. Captain Paul Naylor, BALPAs Executive President, has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, to reiterate these warnings, which have been clear and consistent since last September, to demand that members are included in the aviation industry consultations. BALPA also want to ensure all unemployed colleagues are offered wellremunerated and regulated jobs before any work permits are issued to those outside the UK. There has been a high-profile round of media interviews, with BALPA representatives appearing on the leading broadcast news outlets and featuring in newspapers across the board. You can keep track by following the social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Wizz Air CEOs unacceptable comments Not a BALPA member yet? Scan this QR code to join up quickly and easily The comments about fatigue made by Wizz Air CEO Jzsef Vradi are unacceptable. An airline CEOs priority is to safely operate flights that make the airline money. If you forget your safety obligations, you can forget the rest. Therefore, BALPA has called for Wizz Air to clarify that it would fully support any pilot who does the right thing by not flying if they feel fatigued, for the safety of their passengers, crew and aircraft. Safety is the number one priority for our members. Read our full press release here. What youre sharing In response to BALPAs comments on Wizz Air: We said: We are shocked that an airline CEO would advise actions so contrary to even a basic safety culture. Martin Chalk, BALPAs General Secretary said: I would urge Mr Vradi to swiftly clarify that Wizz Air would fully support any pilot who does the right thing by not flying if they feel fatigued, for the safety of their passengers, crew and aircraft. I urge him to be as professional as his pilots in seeking to eradicate fatigue from the flight deck. And you said: A crash due to fatigue would be more damaging to the airline! John Place I think he will be the major reason for reputational damage to his company!!! How about you sort out your rosters and ensure you have enough crew??? I know I wont be flying with Wizz or supporting this culture. Safety first! Sam Walkinshaw Climate action Many thanks to @BALPApilots who generously hosted the IFALPA Climate Working Group recently. Dedicated volunteers, subject matter experts, and a motivated pilot community working to address climate issues worldwide. #pilots #climate #aviation The IFALPA Climate Working Group READ MORE Executive Presidents welcome Weve had many challenges in recent times. We now find ourselves with yet another the well-publicised chaos that has befallen the industry as we attempt to return to normal operations. This is a difficult time for crew, who find themselves surrounded in many areas by inexperience in many of the departments that facilitate airline operations. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, staff shortages, and general level of socio-economic disarray represent significant challenges to us all. Within BALPA, we are very much alive to these challenges across all our departments. Our flight safety team continues to work tirelessly on both day-to-day matters such as scheduling and our longer term strategic initiatives, including environmental and EASA licensing matters. Our industrial team is extremely busy with negotiations around the restoration of previous agreements, development of new ones and submission of pay claims. This is particularly challenging as we try to reinvigorate our operations against a backdrop of intense activity. We are actively recruiting staff to cope with increased demands and are developing new training programmes for our reps, including those wishing to stand for election going forward. While the industry has backed itself into a dark corner at the moment, we do not intend to follow it. The current and next generation of reps will face new challenges on all fronts from industry leaders who increasingly focus on cost above everything else. While the news headlines currently appear like an extract from the early eighties, modern management practice doesnt. We will ensure our representatives and staff are ably equipped to cope with the challenges of the modern industrial landscape. In doing so, we can fulfill the needs and expectations of our membership. I hope you enjoy this copy of The Log, and may your flying season be a safe one. Safe flying, Paul Naylor, BALPA NEC Executive President and easyJet captain NEWS Upfront