On Wednesday, the LCGB trade union held a press conference to address the current issue arising out of the recent dismissal of four Cargolux pilots which they stated could lead to industrial action.

According to the LCGB, the dismissal of four Cargolux pilots based on the number of sick days taken, in combination with the almost consistent monitoring of pilots on sickness leave by the Cargolux directorate, have led to considerable uncertainty amongst the pilots of the Luxembourg-based freight carrier.

This, the Union stated, has created a climate of mistrust between staff and management and no-one, neither ground staff nor pilots, can be sure that they will not also become a victim of such methodology. They added that these methods are considered by Cargolux employees to be intimidating and have even been referred to as “Stasi” methods. As a result, the safety culture within Cargolux has been considerably damaged and it remains to be seen how long Cargolux pilots are able to maintain flight operation under such conditions.

The press conference heard that in accordance with the EU directive 965/2012, every pilot is obliged not to fly in case of illness. This regulation also applies in Luxembourg and is designed to ensure that flights are carried out safely, since illness may considerably influence the performance capabilities of flight staff.

In the past, Cargolux has complained that the number of pilot sick days has been too high and has demanded that they should be reduced. According to statements from the general director and the president of the supervisory board, the number of sick days reported reduced immediately after the above mentioned dismissals.

The LCGB stated that they consider this to be alarming as pilots now fear that they will be dismissed if they observe their legal obligation to remain on the ground when ill. The LCGB has claimed that the actual motive for the four dismissals was a reduction of costs.

The LCGB has demanded immediate measures to restore the safety culture of Cargolux and wants to enter into dialogue in order to identify and implement the necessary means to ensure this. Should this not happen, the LCGB has threatened that pilots may strike, resulting in the  entire air traffic service of Cargolux coming to a standstill.

Photo by Artur Kurkowiak