Aviation taskforce to report today
by Niall Shanahan
 
Kevin Callinan said “Public health concerns, and the advice of our medical and scientific experts, will be paramount in any policy decisions."
Kevin Callinan said “Public health concerns, and the advice of our medical and scientific experts, will be paramount in any policy decisions."

The Government’s Taskforce for Aviation Recovery is due to deliver its final report today (10th July).

 

It was established last month to make recommendations on measures to help the sector, which is reeling from the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

In a written submission to the taskforce, Fórsa said ongoing wage supports were essential to protect thousands of workers in airlines, airports and air navigation bases – and ultimately an estimated 150,000 jobs in tourism, hospitality services and aircraft maintenance, which depend on aviation.

 

The union also called for tax and PRSI breaks for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), and the maintenance of Dublin airport charges at 2019 levels, and the establishment of a Shannon-specific task force.

 

The taskforce published an interim report last month, which called for an end to the Covid-19 quarantine on incoming passengers.

 

The body is largely composed of industry representatives, although the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) general secretary Patricia King is a member.

 

The aviation industry has experienced a catastrophic downturn due to the crisis, leading to significant cost-cutting, redundancies and layoffs throughout the industry.

 

Fórsa represents members employed throughout the industry, including Aer Lingus and Ryanair, as well as staff at the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and Dublin Airport Authority (DAA).

 

Fórsa general secretary and ICTU vice-president Kevin Callinan, has said the challenges and severe difficulties facing aviation workers and their employers will continue for a prolonged period.

 

Kevin said an island nation, with a significant dependence on tourism and overseas investment, needed to ensure the right policies are collectively agreed. “This is essential to creating the right environment for a safe return to flying schedules, and for passengers and airline staff to feel confident and safe while doing so.

 

“Public health concerns, and the advice of our medical and scientific experts, will be paramount in any policy decisions. It’s equally important that effective surveillance embraces the safety and health of all airport and airline staff,” he said.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact the union HERE.

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