2019 was a busy but successful year for the ALPL Cargolux Division and its members. The great result in the Social Elections in March 2019 resulting in 8 out of 16 seats of the Delegation being held by Pilot Representatives certainly was one of the contributing factors to finally conclude the CWA negotiations in August that entails major improvements for all Cargolux pilots, especially for those that were initially hired under the so-called “B-Scale”.
This result demonstrates once more, what we as a group can achieve when standing together. Thank you for that!
In 2020 we will focus on the correct application of the new terms and conditions, especially on the implementation of the new FTL for Standard and Augmented Crew, which will take place latest by July 2020, as well as ongoing issues in the day to day operation, e.g. crew hotels.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the new CWA 2020-2022 and to also read our “Know Your CWA 2020” series, which are available here.
Remember: We can negotiate conditions, but you have to enforce them!
As always, our work and engagement will continuously be guided by the ALPL´s mission statement:
Flight Safety and Pilot’s Health
Pilots’ Social Rights
Job Security and Working Conditions
Please find below an update on:
- Hotel Accommodation
- V-Day Survey
- Random Alcohol Testing
Hotel Accommodation
The ALPL Hotel Committee has received an increasing number of complaints from our members about crew hotels failing to provide the standards and services required to enable adequate rest during our demanding type of operation. Given the high number of complaints it is apparent that the standards of our hotels are slowly but steadily being challenged.
In this context we would like to remind you that in the case that your accommodation does not fulfill the requirements of either the Cargolux Hotel Policy and the CWA or your rest is in some way compromised, there are a couple of options you need to do.
- First, carefully evaluate your fitness to conduct your next flight. It is absolutely essential that you are well rested before commencing any flight duty. If in doubt do not hesitate to request a quieter room, potentially requiring additional rest which may delay the departure accordingly. Please don’t forget to inform all your colleagues and the local station. Make sure to file a fatigue report and send a copy to cvhotels@alpl.lu
- If the hotel has deficiencies of the standards as laid out in the hotel policy, now also in the CWA 2020-2022, please file a VR and send a copy to cvhotels@alpl.lu
- Many have asked the Hotel Committee to identify the suitable hotels. Please click here to see the list that is based on the Station Information and gives you a good overview of the contracted hotel and whether it is suitable or not. Should you be scheduled to be in a hotel that is not suitable, please liaise with crew control and request the booking in our normal hotel or another suitable hotel for the entire crew. Settling the expenses with the company credit card (after obtaining approval by the Company) is another option open to you. If you see a hotel on our network that is not familiar to you, please also send an email to cvhotels@alpl.lu.
- Without a copy of the reports you submit, the Hotel Committee has nothing in their hands to follow-up these complaints with the Company. Therefore, please take the time and always write a report and send a copy to the Hotel Committee as well.
The ALPL Hotel Committee is fulfilling their obligation as laid out in the Hotel Policy by doing its best to select and propose suitable hotels. It is unfortunate however, that this process is continuously being ignored by Procurement Management and that the well-functioning of this collaboration is undermined by lack of transparency and poor communication from senior management.
Whereas it was possible to resolve recent issues with hotels in LUX in a joint effort with the Chief Pilots Office, some do remain at certain destination, as you can see in the provided list.
To find acceptable solutions for all parties concerned will require a joint effort by you, our members, the ALPL Hotel Committee as well as the Divisional Board and the Delegation!
V-Day Survey
In December 2019 we asked you to complete a survey in regard to the bidding and allocation of V-Days for the year 2020 to get a clearer picture of what happened during the allocation process. A majority of Captains and First Officers participated in the survey, representing a statistically relevant collection of data.
We have also been in touch with the Chief Pilots Office, who also gathered and provided more information in a recent email, sent on 31 December 2019.
In addition to that email, we would like to present you the result of the V-Day Survey, which reflects what has been reported by our members and illustrates mainly two things:
- A significant lower average success rate, and
- A decreasing success rate with decreasing seniority.
Considering the original purpose of the V-Days – a system that was designed to assist colleagues with relative low seniority to have the off days connected to a short vacation period primarily in the difficult summer season – we are of the opinion that in particular this bidding and allocation process must be reviewed and eventually adjusted with the aim to significantly increase the individual success rate.
Random Alcohol Testing
Please note, that in 2020 random alcohol testing will be introduced and will become part of the ramp inspection program in Europe. Tests could also be conducted outside the aircraft (e.g. in the crew room) and will take place after a pilot has reported for duty. Depending on national legislation, the testing may be done by either ramp inspectors or by police, or both. If the test shows a positive alcohol breath test, this must be confirmed by an additional ‘evidential test’ by the police.
