The recovery of traffic at Luxair is promising, but it is causing "a permanent high level of workload and a record level of staff fatigue," several trade unions warn.

Since the beginning of last year, "Luxair's activities have been gradually and steadily recovering in all its departments and services, now reaching a level of activity equal to or even higher than the year 2019." This statement is from a joint press release published by the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB), the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), and the Luxembourg Neutral Trade Union (NGL-SNEP).

While this is good news, the trade unions caution against "collateral damage". Although Luxair has not made any layoffs following the tripartite aviation agreement and the signing of an employment maintenance plan (PME), the trade unions claim that the airline is currently experiencing staff shortages "at all levels". This is due in particular to the "decrease in staffing levels" brought on by "several departmental reorganisations, numerous resignations, and sickness absences owing to coronavirus infections or excessive fatigue".

In addition, in order to be able to maintain the significant rise in flights, Luxair has been "systematically applying the legal limits" in terms of work planning for almost two years. This purportedly affects the working hours for ground staff as well as duty and break periods for flight crews. The trade unions admit that this does not go against the law, but it does require employees to be "as flexible as possible" and perform new tasks while being exposed to a more stressful work environment.

The trade unions claim that the internal organisation is to blame for this toxic work environment since it is "driven by a desire to decrease expenses at all costs." By doing so, Luxair is "negatively affecting the attractiveness of jobs and endangering the future development of the airline".

'Tackling the root of the problem'

"Luxair must offer all current and future employees a package that is generally appealing" in order to continue to be a desirable employer.

The trade unions demand "adequate career prospects for all staff," as well as favourable working conditions and compensation.

In the short term, the trade unions are asking Luxair management to implement "a series of measures to prevent excessive fatigue" by stabilising the working hours for employees. Specifically, the trade unions demand the implementation of realistic planning limits with adequate buffer times, in order to reduce the impact of work-related stress on the health, safety, and well-being of workers, which will be reflected in the company's performance. In addition, staff rest days and days off for employee recuperation should be guaranteed "by all possible means".