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Union says safety at risk if Cargolux cracks down on malingering

TWENTY-FIVE per cent of Cargolux services were cancelled because a minority of pilots on the all-cargo Luxembourg airline staged a 24-hour union-backed "warning action" over safety concerns.

The union believes a fear among pilots of being sacked for taking sick leave may present a risk to operational safety, after two were caught faking sick, reported Lloyd's Loading List.

Management blasted the Letzebuerger Chreschtleche Gewerkschaftsbond (LCGB) labour union, calling its slowdown an "illegal" industrial action as there is a valid collective agreement in place".

Seventy-three per cent the pilots reported to work and 76 per cent of flights operated normally, Cargolux said.

"With its action, LCGB is in breach of its obligation to refrain from any act that could compromise the loyal execution of the collective agreement," said Cargolux.

A court ordered the men back to work.

Said Cargolux: "LCGB's unlawful industrial action and its ongoing negative campaign against Cargolux are based on misleading statements, deceiving not only the public but also Cargolux's employees and LCGB's own members."

Based on the court order, Cargolux said it would claim compensation for the harm suffered as a result of the disruption to its business. "Due to LCGB's legal status, all of its individual members could potentially be held liable for any damages caused to Cargolux," said a company statement.