I hope that your Christmas/New Year festivities were joyous and at least some of those days found you home with friends and family.
As 2018 now spools-up, we bring to your attention some of the planned activities in Luxembourg where you might be interested or inspired to participate, namely, hosting the IFALPA conference, celebrating our Association’s 50th anniversary and supporting divisional CWA negotiations.
Two years ago ALPL bid to host the IFALPA conference and we are now less than 10 weeks away from welcoming some 500 delegates and guests from around the globe to our home base. The aviation colleagues will arrive beginning March 14th staying until March 19th. The conference agenda with details are available here.
The ALPL has been an active member of IFALPA for many years and this is an excellent opportunity for you to experience first-hand the true international bond and collaboration of the pilot profession – We can also certainly use volunteers willing to help out and have secured preferential conditions for those wishing to attend the conference meetings as an observer. Please send an email to secretary@alpl.lu if your available to help or interested in attending the conference.
One special date to take note of is Sunday, March 18th – Starting at 17:00 we will officially celebrate our 50th anniversary! This is the party we hope as many members as possible will be able to attend for the camaraderie, music, food and drinks. A separate invitation to all members will be sent out before the next bidding period deadline.
On a more serious matter, Cargolux and Luxair divisional boards will begin negotiations for new CWAs which both expire at years end. We recognize the unsustainable situation due to crewing levels and the ‘creative’ application of EASA FTL regulations which is taking an unacceptable toll on the pilot community and their families. The ALPL will work closely with our LCGB partner to reverse trends and insist on a fair deal written in clear and unambiguous text. A helpful tailwind provided by upbeat markets, surprising profits and forecasting continued strong demand should give us all some confidence that a better CWA is realistic and achievable.
There is always an opportunity to help in the background during such negotiations! Just consider getting a bit more involved by asking any of your divisional board members what you can do, even sending a simple encouragement message is welcome when earnest talks begin. Ultimately however, it is effective and vital that all members act with unity should we be called to do so.
In closing, although 2018 will be a somewhat stressful year for the ALPL, I do look forward to working closely with the divisional boards, our Treasurer, Executive Secretary and dedicated office staff to continue serving you, our members, by preparing and positioning our Association to tackle whatever challenges face us in the next 50 years.
Warmest regards and Happy New Year!
Capt. Darrell Myers
Executive President
