The social elections are a major milestone and means to improve pilot representation. Every four years, workers are asked to elect their future representatives. How does it work?

Who can vote?

There are three unions in Belgium, each one having their own list. All workers can present themselves on one of these lists and are invited to vote for their representatives.

What are the representation platforms and how are the representatives appointed?

• Health & Safety Committee (CPPT/CPBW)

This committee meets once a month. The elected workers oversee the correct application of the legislation on safety, health, welfare at work, prevention of accidents, occupational diseases, stress and health problems, harassment, environment, fire safety… Other missions consist in developing policies against stress, psychological risks, improving mobility as well as checking the proper functioning of prevention service and improving the working environment. Executives and employees are on the same list and are directly elected by the union members.

• Company Council (Conseil d’entreprise/Ondernemingsraad)

This information body meets once a month. Economical information and financial situation, productivity, workers head count and future prospects will be discussed on a regular basis allowing workers representatives to react quickly in case of difficulties. Executives and employees are on separate election lists and are directly elected by the union members.

• Union delegation (Délégation syndicale/Vakbondsafvaardiging)

This is the body where the CLAs are negotiated, among others. Workers’ representatives are nominated by their own unions based on the elections results.

What is the link with BeCA?

All the union representatives who are BeCA members can be members of their airline “BeCA Company Council”. This group is coordinated by BeCA VP for the concerned airline and aims to develop a common vision for issues specific to the airlines, no matter the colours and political affinity. All members of the BeCA Company Councils are also members of BeCA Industrial WG, where they will gather and work together to share knowledge and expertise (see graph page 5).

BeCA strongly encourages each of you to consider presenting yourself on your union’s list. You won’t be alone! BeCA will be there to support you with our knowledge, expertise and networks. Are you up for the challenge?

For more information, contact your union and/or BeCA.