Aerospace workers ... must be invested in if we are to continue this green and sustainable journey.

Last week in Thessaloniki, industriAll European Trade Union’s Executive Committee unanimously adopted a trade union led strategy for a cleaner aviation sector, stressing the important role of European aerospace workers. The position paper sets out the current and future challenges facing the European aerospace sector and its workers and outlines key demands for policy makers and companies to ensure a fair and just transition.

Isabelle Barthès, Deputy General Secretary of industriAll Europe said:

‘’The European aviation sector is under increasing pressure to become more sustainable and European aerospace workers are central to driving this green and digital transition. As trade unions, we therefore demand that the voice of the workers is heard and considered when strategies are developed for the sector.”

The paper outlines clear demands for EU policy makers, national governments and public authorities, as well as aviation companies, airlines and airports. These include sufficient and long-term funding for R&D, increased production and uptake of sustainable aviation fuels, and increased social dialogue and proper planning between social partners to adequately prepare for the green and digital transitions.

Isabelle Barthès added:

“A successful transition to a more sustainable aviation sector requires all stakeholders to work together, from trade unions, aerospace manufacturers, airlines and airports to customers. We need ambitious plans with the right support, whether regulatory or financial, to turn dreams into reality. Aerospace workers are at the centre of producing first class aircraft and equipment and they must be invested in if we are to continue this green and sustainable journey.’’

Sustainable aviation: for a greener European aviation sector with workers at its core: EN, DE, FR