| In the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic battle, international consensus indicates that vaccinations are key to saving lives; the ALPL Executive and Divisional Boards strongly recommend that every pilot should be vaccinated. The risks of COVID-19 are considered to be greater than the risks of vaccinations is also a viewpoint shared by the international pilot community. Should vaccinations be mandatory? No! This is the unified position taken by every pilot union/association in Europe, however the general public debate on vaccine mandates continues in most countries and unfortunately has not yet evolved into clear social policy. In the meantime, airlines face challenges to comply with shifting requirements, some opting for the “easiest” solution by just mandating vaccinations for their crew in hopes this will ease operational constraints. The discussions amongst our members in both divisions seem to mirror a larger public situation, where the majority of pilots are already vaccinated and recent company announcements place burdens of inconvenience on the un-vaccinated (coercion by negative incentive). We can to a certain extent sympathies with managements’ dilemma. Your ALPL Representatives are fully aware of these developments and represent all members regardless of personal choice on vaccinations – where possible, we will work to find and promote reasonable solutions. To help us address this matter properly with factual statistics we kindly ask that you to answer a short survey. The link to this survey has been send to each member’s email address on file with the association. Please, do understand however the complexities of this whole COVID-19 pandemic; one organization does not set national policy at home or abroad. The ALPL is continuing its work via ECA and IFALPA to lobby for best practices in protecting the health and safety of our crew while supporting initiatives for a return to some normalcy as quickly as possible. In closing, remember that the health risks of contracting COVID-19 with zero protectionare very real and the course of this virus is unpredictable; many following a hospitalization now have permanent health conditions which prohibit holding a Class-I medical. As every member weighs the risks to health and career, the ALPL respects your personal decision on vaccination and will keep you informed of any pertinent developments. |
