Air France has urged unions to call off planned strikes as it promised measures to improve the daily lives of its staff, but warned no new pay negotiations would take place while it is still run by an interim management team.
Air France-KLM is in the thick of a labor conflict over pay that so far has cost the company its former CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac as well as €400 million ($466 million) following 15 strike days since February. Four more strike days are planned for June 23-26.
"Air France management is calling on the inter-union association to lift its strike notice from June 23-26, which would worsen the company"™s situation and have a major impact on our customers on the eve of the busy summer period," the airline said after Air France and Air France-KLM non-executive chair Anne-Marie Couderc and Air France CEO Franck Terner presented new measures to the Air France Central Works Council on June 14.
"Management has decided to provide an exceptional budget this summer and wants to take rapid action to provide concrete solutions to problems that affect the daily lives of staff to enable them to provide optimum service for customers in the best possible conditions. Among the first measures to be implemented is the renovation of ramp facilities at [Paris] Orly and an increase in the availability of rest areas for aircrew at Air France premises," Air France said.
The airline also plans to adopt a new approach to staff concerns and dialogue, involving all staff being able to "express their dissatisfaction, as well as their convictions and proposals on all subjects related to the company"™s operation"…
