And what about air safety? With a 47.5 hour working week? Then it
turns out EU rules allow for even longer working weeks, and as our
expert on labour law writes, the proposed rules now being considered by
Brussels threaten air safety. That’s the view of both pilot
organisations and air safety authorities. Nordic trade unions are on
the war path, and pilots and cabin crew are planning protests across
Europe on 22 January.
The aviation industry is arguably harder hit by global competition
than any other trade. In Finland it has already adapted to the
turbulence, says trade union leader Juhani Haapasaari. He believes
Finnair have seen the worst of their cuts now.
In this month’s theme ‘Globalisation of airlines – a walkout for
safety?’ Danish labour market researcher Flemming Ibsen fiercely
attacks SAS’ ultimatum as being un-Nordic and removed from the Nordic
negotiation model. He fears a precedent has been set allowing more
employers to cut wages. Is this part of the same bitter pill that
Southern Europe has been forced to swallow? Trade union leader Bente
Sorgenfrey worries it is: cutting wages and people’s purchasing power,
hitting growth and creating a downward spiral.
Nordic countries work hard to make sure the region can compete in a
globalised world. The Nordic model, with its focus on cooperation
between the social partners and a healthy work environment, can be an
advantage when we compete for skilled workers on the international
stage. Flemming Ibsen from Demark says this highlights the need for the
Nordic countries to stand shoulder to shoulder. In light of this the
SAS model appears foreign and threatening, although it would probably
take more to derail solid traditions built on the spirit of
cooperation.
