Iberia and pilots’ union reach ‘landmark’ agreement
International Airlines Group (IAG) claims Iberia and its pilots’ union SEPLA have reached a ‘landmark’ agreement.
It said the agreement which ‘introduces permanent structural change and improves the airline’s viability’, heralds a new positive relationship between the two sides.
The Spanish pilots’ union had held strikes in protest of the creation of Iberia’s low-cost subsidiary Iberia Express, which it said violated its collective wage bargaining agreement with Iberia.
This had followed IAG boss Willie Walsh announcing 4,500 job losses at Iberia on top of a 35% pay cut for remaining employees.
The agreement says:
• Fundamental productivity improvements within Iberia.
• Salaries to remain frozen until 2015 as outlined in the Mediation Agreement. After that date, increases will be subject to the airline’s profitability.
• The Mediation Agreement provided a 14% salary reduction for pilots and an additional 4% linked to the productivity agreement. With these productivity improvements, the 4 per cent will be returned.
• Facilitates the growth of Iberia and Iberia Express.
Luis Gallego, Iberia’s executive chairman, said: "This groundbreaking deal reduces the cost structure and provides the foundation for the airline to grow profitably.
"Iberia is the natural airline choice for Latin America and this agreement will enable it to be a formidable competitor and build on its new brand, providing customers with great service and an extensive network."
Willie Walsh, IAG’s chief executive said: "’Luis Gallego, his team and SEPLA deserve congratulations for striking a bold deal that will mark the turning point in Iberia’s future. Permanent structural change was the only way to save Iberia from slow decline. This agreement marks the beginning of its future".
This agreement is subject to the approval of SEPLA’s general assembly.
Diane
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