Union Infighting Erupts Over Handling Agreement

A storm is brewing in the air sector as the FESMC-UGT (Federation of Services, Mobility and Consumption – General Union of Workers) has launched a scathing critique of the recent agreement between CCOO (Workers’ Commissions) and Blue Handling. UGT alleges that the agreement,intended to govern working conditions at the ground handling company,represents a meaningful erosion of workers’ rights and a betrayal of their interests.

UGT’s Core Grievances: A Point-by-Point Rebuttal

The FESMC-UGT air sector has outlined several key objections to the agreement, arguing that it fails to adequately protect workers and could lead to future exploitation. These concerns center around specific articles within the agreement, which UGT believes create loopholes for the company to exploit.

Key Points of Contention:

1. Business Segregation (Art. 3): UGT warns that this clause opens the door to potential restructuring that could negatively impact workers’ rights in the future.
2. Limited Recognition of “Ad Personam” Guarantees (Art. 7): The union argues that the agreement lacks a firm commitment to revaluing these individual guarantees, leaving workers vulnerable.
3. Mandatory Functional Versatility (Art. 11): This “all for everything” approach, according to UGT, creates ambiguity in job roles and could lead to excessive workloads.
4. Absence of a Dedicated Salary Structure (Art. 24): UGT claims this prevents meaningful salary improvements beyond the existing Sector Agreement.
5. Restrictive Productivity and Multitasking Bonuses (Art. 26): The union contends that the requirements for these bonuses are overly restrictive, making them arduous to achieve and discriminating against certain workers.
6. Stagnation in Key Areas (art. 31): UGT criticizes the lack of progress on issues such as annual leave, reduced working days, and sick pay supplements.
7. Lack of Control guarantees: The union expresses concern over the absence of safeguards regarding fractional working days, professional progress, performance evaluations, and overtime hours.
8. Attack on Work-Life Balance: UGT argues that the agreement allows for the improper and intrusive use of digital tools, infringing on workers’ right to disconnect.

Accusations of Collusion and Questionable Motives

Beyond the specific points of contention, UGT levels serious accusations against CCOO, suggesting that the union has prioritized its relationship with Blue handling over the interests of its members. They imply that CCOO’s leadership has become too closely aligned with the company’s management, perhaps compromising their ability to effectively represent workers.

Perhaps too many photos of the dome in Dublin have cloudy the understanding of the person in charge of the signatory union in blue Handling, discovering a well -known megalomana attitude where there should be a duty of a union representative for the interests of their classmates and their companions. It is sad to see how it has become a puppet in the hands of the company’s management.

The Broader Context: Labor Relations in the Aviation Sector

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges in labor relations within the aviation sector, notably in the ground handling industry. As airlines and handling companies face increasing pressure to cut costs and improve efficiency, unions are often forced to make difficult choices in negotiations. The current climate, marked by economic uncertainty and evolving labor laws, further complicates these negotiations.According to a recent report by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), ground handling staff are increasingly facing precarious employment conditions, including low wages, irregular hours, and limited access to benefits.

International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

UGT’s Pledge: A Commitment to Workers’ Rights

Despite their strong opposition to the current agreement, UGT emphasizes its commitment to defending workers’ rights and building a labor framework that truly reflects the needs of the Blue Handling workforce. They maintain that their door remains open to dialogue, but not at the expense of sacrificing fundamental principles.

From FESMC-UGT we remain committed to the defense of labor rights and the construction of a labor framework that reflects the true needs of the template of Azul Handling. Our door will always be open to dialogue, but not at the expense of giving up fundamental principles, as others have done.