Finnair Pilots Went On Strike Monday At Midnight

The Allied Pilots Association (APA), the certified collective bargaining agent for the 11,500 pilots of American Airlines, issued a statement of support Monday for the 800 pilots of Finnair, represented by the Finnish Airline Pilots’ Association (Suomen Liikennelentäjäliitto, SLL). The Finnair pilots went on strike at one minute past midnight Monday morning to protest airline management’s plans to ignore the collective bargaining agreement and shift new 70-seat aircraft to Finncomm Airlines, a newly formed commuter affiliate.

APA’s statement reads:

“We strongly support our brother and sister Oneworld pilots at Finnair in their efforts to convince Finnair management to abandon their outsourcing plans,” said APA President Captain Lloyd Hill. “Outsourcing represents a serious threat to loyal workers around the world, so it’s fair to say that the Finnair pilots’ fight is our fight as well.

“Given the close relationship between Finnair and American Airlines - which includes a grant of antitrust immunity - we are especially concerned about Finnair management’s conduct,” Hill said. “According to the Finnair pilots, as many as 200 of their jobs are at risk as a consequence of their management’s outsourcing plans, which are in direct violation of the pilots’ contract.

“We therefore urge Finnair management to cease and desist with any outsourcing plans and to negotiate with the carrier’s pilots in good faith. Likewise, we have every expectation that American Airlines management will refrain from any involvement in the dispute.

“We are hopeful that this impasse will be resolved expeditiously for the good of all concerned with Finnair. In the meantime, APA will remain in close contact with our colleagues in Finland and will also provide support for Finnair pilots stranded in the United States during the strike.”

FMI: www.alliedpilots.org