The standoff continues at Air France, as the referendum announced by the company's management began at 10am on 26 April. This electronic consultation will be open until 4 Mayat 6pm. " To enable a positive outcome to the current conflict, are you in favour of the pay deal proposed on 16 april 2018? "This was the question put to the company's employees. In a press release, management pointed out that " Since 22 FebruaryAir France faced 11 strike days which are jeopardizing the future of the company. At the end of the negotiations and in order to put an end to the conflict, Air France management formulated on 16 April a final proposal for a multi-year agreement committing to general salary increases of 7% over 4 years, in addition to individual increases. ".
Buckle your seat belt
Another issue at stake in the vote: Jean-Marc JanaillacChairman and CEO of Air France-KLM, has warned that he will present his resignation in the event of failure. Interviewed on Europe 1, the Prime Minister Edouard Philippe hailed a " bold move" while warning: " If the referendum he organised (...) did not produce the results he was hoping for and he drew the consequences, I would gladly encourage everyone to fasten their seatbelts because the turbulence would not be small." .
In the run-up to the vote, three pilots' unions filed a strike notice aimed at the 3, 4, 7 and 8 May. " By keeping up the pressure, we can reach an agreement that satisfies everyone." said the union.
For its part, Air France management stresses that ". With this decision to reintroduce additional strike days, bringing the total to 15, they are choosing to further jeopardise the company's economic situation and increase the risk of deeply damaging the trust and loyalty of our customers. These new notices, at a time when Air France employees are being called upon to express their views, are not only incomprehensible but also clearly show the contempt in which their opinions are held." .
" Once again, I would like to apologise to all customers affected by these strikes." says Jean-Marc Janaillac. " They are all the more incomprehensible given that the consultation of all employees on the proposed wage agreement has been open since this morning. I have every confidence in the determination of Air France employees to put an end to this destructive situation for the company." .
