Brussels Airlines calls off four-day strike following pilot and management agreement
Brussels Airlines called off its upcoming four-day strike after successful negotiations between management and the pilot unions, the airline announced on Sunday.
"Brussels Airlines is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with the pilot unions on their remuneration package," the company said in a press release. The agreement prioritises improving gross wages while considering the current financial reality.
The negotiations centred on pay and employment conditions for pilots, who had previously made sacrifices during the Covid-19 pandemic to support the company's survival. With the airline now returning to profitability, pilots sought a fair compensation adjustment.
Initial discussions almost yielded an agreement, but an obstacle arose last week when management proposed tying pay raises to a reduction in rest days, prompting the pilots to plan a strike from 27 to 30 March.
Following further discussions, the parties reached a compromise on Sunday. The agreement aims to enhance pilots' purchasing power through a revised gross salary structure, implemented in two phases in 2024 and then in 2026.
"The financial aspect of the agreement has been settled through compromise," said Olivier Van Camp of the BBTK union. At the same time, ongoing discussions will address working and rest time arrangements, Tim Roelandt of the ACLVB union said.
"We are pleased with the outcome of the intense negotiations over the past few weeks. After reaching an agreement for the cabin crew members, we are very pleased to have reached another agreement with the pilot unions," Brussels Airlines said.
© PHOTO BELGIAN FREELANCE
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