The US airline pilots association (ALPA) has provided an ambiguous reply to the request by Air France's main pilots' union, the SNPL, for a critical analysis of the carrier's salary structure.
The SNPL is objecting strongly to Air France's insistence on a two-tier salary level and a 15% reduction in salaries tied to a 10%-12% share in the capital. In an unprecedented move, it asked the US union last November to compare the carrier's salaries with those of other European airlines and look at the overall pay scheme for pilots.
In its reply, sent to the SNPL on 17 April, ALPA says there is "no immediate need" for the 15% salary reduction, since the airline is "not in a financial crisis". It adds, however, that the pilots should consider a negotiated reduction in their costs and treat it as an "investment" in the company.
Air France says it is "very surprised" at the suggestion that the airline should pursue its plan to reduce costs without involving the pilots. ALPA apparently declined to complete its study into the salary differences with other European airlines. Air France claims that its pilots earn 40% more than those of Lufthansa and 20% more than British Airways pilots, and says the US union has "recognised orally" to the carrier's senior management that SNPL's own analysis of the levels was "full of errors".
Source: Flight International
