Aviation union warns of new court cases against airBaltic over pay and layoffs
The Latvian Aviation Trade Union already has six lawsuits, and its disputes with airline airBaltic over pay and dismissals could lead to more. Union president Dace Kavasa says litigation is not a goal in itself but is sometimes the only way to defend employees.
The Latvian Aviation Trade Union, which represents workers in the aviation sector, has warned that disagreements with Latvia's national airline airBaltic over pay and possible dismissals may end up in court. The union currently has six legal proceedings under way. Its president, Dace Kavasa, spoke about the matter on the TV24 programme "Uz līnijas".
Kavasa stressed that going to court is not an end in itself for the union. In her view, however, it is sometimes the only way to protect employees' rights. The priority, she said, is to reach agreement through negotiations, but that does not always work.
Past experience
The union has been involved in several lawsuits since 2018. During the Covid-19 pandemic it secured at least five settlements.
Pay dispute
The union is now preparing cases concerning the pay of flight attendants, and disputes may also involve pilots. Kavasa voiced concern over the company's new pay policy, which she said involves giving up certain rights set out in the collective agreement.
Possible dismissals
Planned layoffs are another worry. The union objects to the selection criteria proposed by airBaltic, which Kavasa believes may not be objective. If the company does not change its position, the union may refuse to agree to the dismissal of its members. In that case, the dispute would have to be resolved in court.
