A challenge from the past, and a huge challenge for the future…

Integration of Thomas Cook

It’s never easy to merge two seniority lists. History is full of good and (mostly) bad examples of integrations, which led to bitterness and frustrations among pilots from the same airline. Brussels Airlines’s pilots already experienced that twice in the past (Virgin and Birdy), with method and attention, which made the final result relatively successful although not perfect.

The integration of Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium into Brussels Airlines 15 months ago is a good example of a “glass half empty AND half full”.

For many b.air pilots, who were already subcontracting Cook’s charter production before the merge (since 2016), the “Cookers” are lucky to still have a job today. From the (ex-)Cookers’ perspectives, in turn, Cook’s production was essential to increase b.air’s profits and guarantee its expansion. Moreover, their original contract signed with Cook gives them another legitimacy.

As mediator, I would say that both groups are equally right. But this is not really the point anymore. Rather than judging “who’s more right”, we need to urgently find an integration method that is acceptable to all and in line with existing collective and individual agreements. Because keeping a group divided, both in terms of collective agreements and unity, is the last thing to do especially in view of the future changes that are approaching from Germany. And I will encourage relentlessly both groups’ representatives to find a solution before this summer.

Eurowings

The full takeover of Brussels Airlines’s capital by Eurowings Group automatically brings some changes in decision-making power. “Money talks” of course, but it’s becoming urgent for Brussels Airlines pilots’ representatives to get to know the whole new set of playing rules. A good understanding and control of our position inside the new structure is essential and requires new resources. Coincidentally, our VC colleagues have just developed a transnational coordination agreement for all Eurowings pilots, under the auspices of ECA, our European association. BeCA will represent its members on this group, as we do it already for other groups, i.e. TUI, Ryanair, EAT and Cityjet. This coordination at European level is key to understand the play we are involved in and to influence its scenario.

BeCA Executive Committee would also like to strengthen pilots’ representation by sharing with b.air representatives all the experience acquired throughout the years inside other transnational airlines (multibasing & collective representation, labour rights, tax and social security systems).

Furthermore, a very tight follow-up of economical and financial information released by b.air and Eurowings Group will be fundamental to face the changes with as many cards as possible in our hands.
In order to coordinate all these activities, as well as access to legal and financial experts, BeCA Executive Committee would like to redevelop a Pilot Board inside b.air pilots’ group, which will support and complete the work of the pilot union delegation. It is paramount if we want to guarantee the best support possible to our b.air members.

Alain Vanaderweireldt, BeCA President