Airline workers announce global alliance to protect rights

Airline union leaders from five continents announced the birth of One World of Labor Coalition as a response to the globalization of airline operations at an April 20 Newsmaker.

John M. Conley, international administrative vice president of the Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, was designated the organization's coordinator.

With airlines forming global alliances, unions are increasing their worldwide leverage. "We should not suffer in collective bargaining agreements," Conley said.

Conley and his global colleagues, who hail from countries ranging from the United Kingdom to Australia, announced an alliance of workers that spans ticket sellers to baggage handlers and covers union employees from 10 of the 12 major global airlines.

Two of the 12 -- S-7 in Russia and King Fisher in India -- are not unionized. The coalition won't cover air traffic controllers.

The workers alliance, which had its initial meeting in Washington this week, will gather again in June in Madrid to continue to formulate common goals.

Linda White, assistant national secretary of the Australian Services Union, criticized Quantas for eroding job security and off shoring work.

A coalition paper released at the meeting said that "in the airliine industry, most major airliines have reorganized into three global alliances. These partner airlines, through de facto mergers, are changing flights, routes, code sharing, terminals and advertising to reflect the change. In some cases, these partnerships are allowing airlines to shift labor, offshore maintenance and avoid regulation. What does this mean for air travelers and airline workers?"

Rhys McCarthy, regional industrial organizer of Unite the Union at Heathrow Airport, said airline workers in Britain had issues involving "anti-union legislation." But he expressed optimism that the arrival of a new CEO of British Airways will improve labor relations.

Another panelist from Britain, Civil Aviation Secretary Gabriel Macho Rodriguez, said airline workers' rights must be strengthened. In some cases, that means negotiating with airlines in two countries.

Union members should have "all lawful material support to advance fair working conditions and safety standards," Rodriguez said.

He also deplored what he said were "multi-million dollar bonuses (for airline executives) while workers are losing their homes."