Second pilots’ union joins Air France strike call

The control tower of the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, near Paris AFP/Pierre Verdy

A second pilots’ union has joined calls for a strike at Air France on 15-18 September. Like the largest union at the company, the SNPL, it wants the same conditions for pilots in all branches of the company.

The Spaf union, which won the second biggest number of votes in elections of representatives of personnel on works committees, on Friday announced it was backing the SNPL’s strike call.

As Air France reorganises in order to face up to competition from low-cost airlines, the unions want a single contract for pilots working on planes run by Air France, its regional carrier Hop! and its low-cost arm Transavia.

Management wants different pay and conditions for Transavia pilots.

Spaf accused management of deciding the strategy “at the highest level” without consultation with pilots’ representatives.