IALPA, the pilots’ branch of IMPACT trade union, has welcomed last week's ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), stating air crew members, in disputes relating to their employment contracts, have the option of bringing proceedings before the courts of the place where they perform the essential part of their duties.

The ECJ decision was issued in respect of Sandra Nogueira and Others v Crewlink Ltd and Miguel José Moreno Osacar v Ryanair.

 

IALPA president, Captain Evan Cullen, said “This is a great judgement for everyone who works in the aviation industry in Europe. Along with our colleagues in the European Cockpit Association (ECA), we see this as a very positive result. It helps to empower aviation workers in any dispute with their employer by giving them access to the courts in their country of residence.”

Captain Cullen added that the ECA has said the ruling has repercussions beyond Ryanair, as there are other airlines using “questionable employment set-ups" and contractual jurisdiction clauses.