Manchester Airport-based airline Jet2 has been criticised by the pilots' union for refusing to recognise concerns about pilots' 'fatigue and stress'.
The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) said the airline's rostering practices were 'not sustainable', could impact pilot health and result in a 'clear impact on safety'. The union and the airline have been at loggerheads since at least 2015 over how pilot hours are managed. The airline has so far not responded.
In a statement, BALPA said it was 'dismayed' the airline was refusing to recognise its pilots' concerns 'about fatigue and stress caused by roster disruption'. The airline's pilots have asked the airline to 'agree meaningful safety protections for their rosters', according to BALPA.
It follows concern about the 'more permissive' flight time rules across Europe which BALPA says are viewed as 'targets and not maximum limits'. The pilots' union said the rostering practices 'are not sustainable in the long run and could have a detrimental effect on pilots’ health and wellbeing resulting in a clear impact on safety'.
It says it has written to Jet2 'to offer to work collaboratively to find mutually beneficial safety systems that protect staff and the travelling public by keeping safety at the heart of operations'.
But the airline cited 'cost' and a 'lack of resources' and 'bluntly refuses to work' with them, according to BALPA, which went on that while the airline presented itself as 'family friendly' it has actually 'always been anti-trade union'.
BALPA national officer Terry Brandon said: "BALPA recently wrote to Jet2 management on behalf of our members to offer to work collaboratively with the company on scientific, evidence based fatigue analysis using our in-house experts.
"Jet2 refused, saying that although they take safety ‘extremely seriously’, they ‘do not wish, and are not obliged, to engage with BALPA on these matters’. We are deeply concerned about Jet2 management’s attitude in response to a genuine offer of using safety experts for the benefit of everyone, including their passengers.
"We appeal to Jet2 to listen to its pilots and BALPA now, and implement basic roster protections that protect the health of our members during the busy summer season. Failing to do so risks significant pilot fatigue and health issues."
BALPA says Jet2 is the only major airline which does not have a scheduling agreement with them to manage pilot hours.
In 2017, BALPA won a Court of Appeal judgement against the airline which ruled rostering fell within 'pay, hours and holidays' and so could be negotiated by airline and union. It followed a 2015 High Court judgment which was in favour of the airline.
The M.E.N. has contacted Jet2 for a comment.
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