Michael Kaiser No Comments

Hotel Committee Update – July 2024

We are pleased to provide you with the latest update from the Hotel Committee.

JFK

In order to follow the Procurement and Hotel Policy we have reviewed five hotel options in Manhattan for our stays in JFK. After careful consideration and discussions with the company, it was decided to continue staying at the Intercontinental near Times Square. This decision ensures continuity and comfort for our crew members.

There are currently some more requirements for tenders upcoming, like DFW and ORD. Further stations like NLU, GDL and SEA will follow. We would like to emphasize the fact that even when there are no communicated hotel changes it doesn’t mean that your Hotel Committee doesn’t put effort and work into our mutual objective to ensure suitable accommodation.

CGK

Due to the upcoming elections, the current Orange Security Level would normally mandate an airport hotel. Despite of this fact, the company agreed to a move to a better hotel, considering the excellent security measures in place. Starting August, we will be staying at the Shangri-La. Please remain aware of security concerns and exercise caution during your stay. We are confident that the move is well received.

Catering

HKG 

We have received several reports regarding the lack of variety and quality issues with the catering in Hong Kong. A tasting session with a local provider is envisaged after the summer to offer a different variety of dishes and find some alternatives. Until then, it is the objective to limit uplifts ex HKG when feasible. As a temporary measure we will utilize catering from NRT, HAN and SGN, which have all been appreciated so far.

CGO

Due to a high number of occurrences of low catering quality ex CGO it was decided for the time being to try to avoid uplifts at CGO whenever possible. Instead, uplifts are planned to occur in GYD and ASB, respecting storage limitations. Please note in that context that GYD catering has already been improved as well. 

More stations are under review and will be tackled step by step.

Travel Services

We are pleased to announce that more airlines have been added to MyID Travel. We extend our gratitude to the Travel Services team for their dedication and efforts.

What else to expect

Uber Business is planned to become available in LUX for crews on duty.

Reusable cutlery and branded coffee mugs will be purchased and distributed to all flight crew members to reduce waste and unnecessary catering costs.

Please note, there will be no members update in August. We look forward to continuing our work in September serving the pilot community to ensure adequate accommodation and more catering improvements.

As always, please send copies of your Voyage Reports to cvhotels@alpl.lu.

Michael Kaiser No Comments

Members Update – July 2024

We would like to update you on the following topics:

  • FRM Survey
  • PBS Working Group
  • Company Visits
  • Rest Area at the Airport
  • Cargo Aircraft Only Restriction
     

FRM Survey
Thank you for participating in our recent FRM Survey 2024. We received 381 responses, providing a clear picture of our members’ opinions on the company’s Fatigue Risk Management and the role of the Aviation Safety Department (ASD). The feedback highlights areas of dissatisfaction and indicates the need for necessary changes to improve the Fatigue Risk Management.

The results were presented to Senior Management during the Joint Delegation Meeting (JDM) on July 3, 2024. We had a long but constructive discussion, and management emphasized the importance of receiving Fatigue Reports containing factual information. Furthermore, we were informed that a new fatigue investigator has started work at the Aviation Safety Department. We will keep monitoring the quality of the feedback of the Fatigue Reports.

Since safety is a shared responsibility and essential for safe aircraft operations, we promised to inform our members in future updates about the importance of filing reports and the do’s and don’ts when doing so. 

Click here to see the survey results shared with management.

Additionally, we would like to share the correspondence between the delegation and the ASD. Please click on the links below. We are still awaiting a response to our last letter sent on June 12, 2024.

PBS Working Group
In the last PBS working group, statistics confirmed a drop in the bidding success rate for off days in July 2024. First Officers achieved a better success rate for off days than Captains. A similar scenario is expected for August, mainly due to booming business and summer vacation periods. Management plans to increase the number of upgrades and continuation of hiring new pilots, which was well received from our perspective.

Regarding the implementation of additional bidding options and required technical changes to improve the PBS as per CWA 36.20, we are pleased to report that according to CPO and Crew Planning everything is on track for the introduction latest on November 30, 2024.

Company Visits
During the last JDM, we were informed that company visits will be possible again soon. Visits to the CMC will be available on specific days and a dedicated booking system will be installed. It is also planned to make the simulators available for visitors during a fixed timeslot when no training will be scheduled. 

Visits to the HQ should be possible with minimal restrictions. Further details will be communicated by the company in due time.

We are pleased with this development and confident that visits to the hangar and simulator will be appreciated by our colleagues and their families.

Rest Area at the Airport
Some colleagues have raised concerns about the lack of a rest area for pilots at the airport. We brought this up with management, and they are working on a solution. As the new office park may be too noisy, management hopes to find a suitable space in the existing airport terminal building.

Cargo Aircraft Only Restriction
Unfortunately, two countries rejected the proposed text change at ICAO level, which would have lifted the CAO restriction for private travel on company aircraft.  As to our knowledge the principle was not rejected, and a new text, developed by an ad hoc working group of the ICAO Dangerous Good Panel, will be presented in the next working group meeting in October 2024. The vote on the new text is scheduled for November 2025. 

Management is now trying to develop a more robust way to predict available flights without CAO DGR. We know this is not what we have hoped for, but it will be again a step in the right direction.

We will keep you updated on any further developments.

artur.kurkowiak No Comments

Cargolux Divisional Assembly 2024 – Screencast

We encourage everyone, who was not able to attend the assembly on 05 June 2024 to watch this screencast.

The main agenda items in this assembly were:


– Summary of the Division´ s activities including future challenges 
– Forecasted financial plan for the year
– Miscellaneous

Michael Kaiser No Comments

Hotel Committee Update – June 2024

The Hotel Committee would like to share the following information:

General
In the last CPO update, Travel Services as well as the Hotel Committee were thanked for their efforts and collaboration, which was well received. 

We would like to take the opportunity to also express our appreciation for the cooperation and efforts undertaken by Travel Services and CPO to ensure adequate accommodation is provided and catering standards are improved.

Furthermore we see improvements and efforts undertaken in respect to our travel rights. DWC has lifted most of their restrictions allowing us to travel to and through Dubai now. Unfortunately, for the time being the CAO restriction still applies. Also, flights between DWC and China and to the US are not possible. In addition to that, Travel Services is also working on improving My-ID travel. The latest improvement was to also allow Travel Partners. Further details can be found on the Cargolux Intranet page.

Having a mutual understanding of each other’s needs and a transparent process to find viable solutions contributes to a trustful and efficient relationship. As we see this as a success story we hope to be able to expand this way of collaboration to other areas within the company for the benefit of all of us. 

Breakfast in the US
We are aware of the fact that having an adequate breakfast can be a challenge in various stations in the US. We apologize for the inconvenience and rest assured that we try to resolve the deficiencies as soon as they surface with the help of travel services. Unfortunately some hotels keep changing their procedures without notice which makes it important that you notify us via a copy of your filed Voyage Report whenever you experience such a deficiency.

LAX
So far we received mainly positive feedback on the move to Marina del Rey, however, one justified aspect of criticism was an insufficient quality of the breakfast buffet. We are happy to inform you that as of now you should receive a breakfast voucher, which, in addition to the provided buffet, entitles you to have an Omelette, one fresh Orange Juice and a fruit bowl. We hope that this helps to mitigate the reported short comming.

UBER green
As already published in the CPO update from 10APR2024 it was requested to use „UBER green“. The Hotel Committee would like to promote the idea and encourage you to use it whenever the potential additional waiting times are acceptable to you.

Although it might seem exaggerated, sustainability is an increasing requirement and as the percentage of carbon free transfers is registered, it comes with a positive impact.

We also made an enquiry regarding potential insufficient accident insurance by Uber. We received the response that Cargolux has it’s own accident insurance for employees on duty thus providing the full coverage.

Meanwhile please provide us with feedback and copies of your reports to cvcatering@alpl.lu and cvhotels@alpl.lu.

Michael Kaiser No Comments

Members Update – May 2024

We would like to give you an update on the following topics:

  • Taxation of overtime for German Cross-Border Workers
  • Compliance with the CWA
  • ALPL Cargolux Divisional Assembly 2024 

Taxation of Overtime for German Cross-Border Workers
After consulting a tax lawyer regarding the recent changes to the double taxation agreement between Germany and Luxembourg, which we previously published in our members’ update on April 17, 2024, we have asked for a second opinion from another tax adviser. Unfortunately, this second opinion conflicts with the first, adding to the uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding this issue.

Given the inconsistency in the tax authorities’ approach, it appears increasingly likely that ultimately the courts will have to decide unless there is a political resolution in Luxembourg or an amendment to the double taxation agreement that clarifies the situation.

Compliance with the CWA
We were notified of an incident where a member was not properly compensated for a delayed arrival into the first vacation day, as stipulated in CWA Article 36.17.1. 

Fortunately, this issue was quickly resolved, and it was confirmed to be a mistake by the company. Considering this, we urge you to be familiar with the CWA and ensure its correct application. Despite advancements in automation, errors can still occur. We encourage you to remain vigilant and to get in touch with us if you need assistance.

ALPL Cargolux Divisional Assembly 2024
The 2024 Cargolux Divisional Assembly is scheduled for June 5, 2024. A detailed invitation and agenda will be sent out well in advance. As in previous years, members can attend the assembly either in person at the ALPL office or virtually via Zoom.

Michael Kaiser No Comments

Members Update – April 2024

We would like to provide you with important updates on several topics:

  • Wrong application of Flight Time Limitations
  • Funeral of Markus Gerneck
  • ALPL Divisional Assembly 2024
  • Taxation of Overtime for German Residents 

Wrong Application of Flight Time Limitations
It has come to our attention that there have been isolated instances where crew control did not adhere to the Flight Time Limitations for Standard and Augmented Crew Operations. Specifically:

  • For a Flight Duty Period (FDP) scheduled with a Standard Crew (1 Captain and 1 First Officer), Article 36.6.2.2 and Table 2 of the CWA must be followed. The FDP must always be planned within the Planning Limit outlined in Table 2. The published Operational Limit for the respective start of the FDP is only applicable in case of unforeseen circumstances ( e.g., loading delays, fueling delays, ATC slot) that occur after the reporting time. This limit should not be exceeded unless using Commander’s Discretion as per Article 36.12.
  • Extensions to the maximum FDP for a Standard Crew using in-flight rest are governed by Article 36.6.4 and Tables 6 to 9. Remember, a FDP covering 3 sectors requires a Standard Flight Crew plus 1 additional Captain and 1 First Officer. 

Please report any discrepancies in the application of the CWA by crew control to us so we can act on it.

Funeral of Markus Gerneck
The funeral for Markus Gerneck is scheduled at Pfarrkirche St. Johannes in Schleich at 10:30 AM on Friday, 19th April 2024. All colleagues who wish to attend are welcome.

ALPL Divisional Assembly 2024
Due to the social election and the formation of a new Delegation at Cargolux, planning for the 2024 Divisional Assembly has been delayed. It remains a priority on our agenda, and we will communicate the date as soon as it is finalized. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Taxation of Overtime for German Residents
Following recent changes to the double taxation agreement between Germany and Luxembourg, we consulted a tax lawyer to clarify the implications for our fellow colleagues residing in Germany. 

As by his response, the amendment affects only paragraph 1 (pertaining to normal professions) and does not alter the provisions for pilots outlined in paragraph 4. For pilots, taxation continues solely in the country of the employer’s registered office without the option for salary splitting as in other cross-border professions.

If the legislators had intended for the overtime regulations to apply to pilots as well, they would have needed to include these provisions in a subsequent paragraph of Article 14, following the existing regulations for pilots.

For a detailed explanation, please click here to read the complete response.

Michael Kaiser No Comments

Hotel Committee Update – April 2024

We would like to share some updates on:

Catering
We are happy to announce that Cargolux Senior Management has approved the purchase of a Catering App! This App will allow us to individually order meals and set preferences before flights. Once implemented we will start to use it ex LUX.

We were also able to change the catering provider in CGO to increase food quality. Catering was tested and reviewed in LUX resulting in bigger hot meals with different variety. The lids on the hot meals can be used in our ovens and are heat certified. They are made of a biodegradable material and not plastic. We hope that you perceive those changes as an improvement and if you feel to send us your feedback, please include the meal no. in the Voyage Report.

The current onboard catering expiry time of 18 hours triggered some unnecessary catering uplifts on stations with poor food quality. We therefore try to extend the limit to 24 hours after certain conditions are met.

We were also able to convince the company to replace the unpopular bamboo cutlery sets. They will be replaced as soon as the items are out of stock.

Last but not least, we are negotiating with TPE, NRT and GYD station to improve catering quality with more to come. 

In general, we are very happy to have improved the dialogue with our colleagues in the Travel Services Department.  

Hotels
LAX 
Unfortunately, we are facing a change to our well-liked Hotel in Redondo Beach. The new corporate management of the Sonesta has significantly increased the rate for a contract extension/continuation proposal. An attempt for a dialogue and a compromise with the Sonesta hotel management remained unsuccessful.  We were therefore forced to start a new tender process for new hotels starting from of 1st Jan 2025. 

We surveyed more than 30 hotels, did 5 on-side inspections and recommended to move to the Courtyard Marriott in Marina Del Rey, which we find a very suitable alternative.

Beginning 01MAY 2024, the Courtyard Marina Del Rey confirmed to host us as our new crew hotel including the following benefits exclusively for Cargolux:

  • 20% off outlets (excluding bottles of wine)
  • Complimentary bike rentals
  • 50% discount on Kayaks & SUPs.
  • A „water-taxi-shuttle-service“ in the vicinity for 2 USD p.p.,
  • A shuttle bus in the vicinity, available via an app and complimentary.

Considering these extensive benefits plus the location we are optimistic that you will appreciate the new hotel and its location in walking distance to Venice Beach.

TPE 
With a similar situation as in LAX, the Hotel Committee had to perform a tender process in TPE, also resulting in a move: As of the 01JUN2024 the Shangri La Hotel is planned to accommodate us. While the direct area around is not as lively as what we are used to in the Grand Hyatt, it is only 20 minutes walking distance away from the familiar area around the Taipei 101. 

CGK 
It is planned to recommence layovers in Jakarta and the Hotel Committee is in a dialogue with Travel Services Department about the hotel selection. The previous Mercure crew hotel was not received very well and therefore we will inform you as soon we have additional info.

In the meantime, we continue to ask you to provide us with feedback and copies of your reports to cvcatering@alpl.lu and cvhotels@alpl.lu.

Dirk Becker No Comments

Result Delegation Election

We are pleased to inform you that pilots will hold 9 out of 16 seats in the Delegation. 
 
The results communicated by the electoral office are as follows:

LCGB   50,5%     9 seats
OGB-L 32,8%  5 seats
SEA 16,8%  2 seats                                      

Your elected representatives are (9 effective Delegates and 9 substitute Delegates):
On behalf of the ALPL Board I would like to take the opportunity and thank all of you participating in the election! It is however worrying to see that only 62,6 % of the pilots casted their votes this time compared to 87,3% in 2019, assuming that every pilot casted his/her 32 votes. Despite this, it is encouraging for us to see how many of you went the extra mile to make sure that your ballot will be returned in time to be counted! 
 
I would also like to thank those colleagues who stepped forward and made themselves available as candidates and at the same time a big thank you for those who have served for many years on the Delegation representing our interests, who were not reelected. They have contributed a lot to what we have achieved as a group, which was not visible to everyone, and we should be grateful for that.
 
The results of the election are not final yet, as they can be contested until April 1st, 2024.
Michael Kaiser No Comments

How to mark and return your ballot for the Delegation Election

In the coming days you should either receive your ballot for the Delegation Election by mail or you may pick up your ballot at Human Resources. It will be important, that you do whatever will be needed to make sure that you mark your ballot in time and moreover make sure that it will get back to Human Resources before the electoral office will close on March 12th. The result of the election in 2019 shows, that achieving a good result is possible, but this will require you going the extra mile.

In order to make sure, that your ballot will be received by March 12th, 16.30 LT, we ask you to strictly follow the recommendations and guidelines you have already received and the additional tailored recommendations we will provide via different channels, e.g. by postal mail sent to your home address. It will be important, that you mail back your ballot immediately after you have received it.

Important:
Regardless, if you did request to have your ballot sent to your home address or any other address, you may consider the following as of February 27th:

If you return from or leave on a rotation between 08.00 and 17.00 local time, Monday to Friday, you may go to Human Resources (map) to cast your votes there. This is possible, even if your ballot has already been sent, as your roster may have changed or could be changed in a way, which would prevent you from returning your ballot before the electoral office will close on March 12th. By doing so you can guarantee that your votes will be counted. Additionally, the ALPL Office staff is available to assist you in mailing back your ballot.

The ALPL office is available 24/7 between February 28th and March 12th, to assist you in returning your ballot. Please call the hotline at +352 42 23 30 to make sure that we can serve you, especially if you consider passing by the ALPL office outside of business hours, which are Monday to Friday 08.00 to 17.00.

Should you experience any problems please get in touch with us immediately at +352 42 23 30.

Click here for a high-resolution flyer, showing how to cast your votes correctly and how to handle your ballot. A short video clip showing the same will be published soon.