ITF Raises Concerns Over Chronic Staffing Issues Affecting Aviation Industry

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on Thursday called upon airlines, airports, ground handlers, and stakeholders across the aviation supply chain to engage with unions on chronic staffing issues which, if left unaddressed, will threaten the industry’s growth and sustainability.

Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the ITF in a statement presumed that the industry will be able to keep the workers needed to power that growth of the he aeronautical sector.

He stated that “We’ve seen IATA’s projections for civil aviation in 2025 for an estimated 5.2 billion passengers and over $1 trillion in revenue – both industry firsts. While those numbers are promising on the surface, they presume the industry will be able to find and keep the workers needed to power that growth.

“But staff recruitment and retention ultimately rely on the industry’s ability to ensure improved working conditions, fair and living wages, career pathways that attract more young workers, the highest standards of health and safety, worker rights and equality. Today the industry falls woefully short of achieving those goals.”

ITF’s Congress held in Marrakesh, Morocco, last October confirmed six strategic platforms that will be fundamental to the creation of a sustainable industry that values its workers and secures their future:Rights for aviation workers; Equality for aviation workers
Safety and health for aviation workers
Shaping the future of work for aviation workers; Accountability for the aviation supply chain and Environmental sustainability (e.g. Sustainable Aviation Fuels).

Sara Nelson, International President of the AFA-CWA and Chair of the ITF’s Civil Aviation Section said: “Let’s be frank, our industry continues to be plagued by precarious employment, long hours and declining pay all of which make it a less attractive and rewarding place to work. That has clearly affected recruitment and retention.

The ITF has a clearly established strategy to help create an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable aviation industry. It starts with workers. We are the ones who keep the millions of passengers and cargo moving safely and securely around the world every day.”

“In December, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention, the ITF joined 10 leading aviation and transport organisations in pledging its commitment to making the industry safer, more secure and sustainable for all. As we start the New Year, all signatories should have a shared resolution to live up to that commitment.

The ITF and its affiliates fully intend to do so,” added Cotton. “Aviation could learn from ITF’s Maritime Just Transition Workforce which is a great example of how unions, industry and government can work together effectively. We have a methodology that has been tried, tested and proven. We have a signed commitment to move forward. It’s time to turn talk into action and make 2025 a year of meaningful change.”