El Al pilots’ union has released a video message informing management that beginning next week, pilots will renew flight disruptions as the ones seen last month. The union report this is due to management announcing it was compelling one-third of the experienced senior pilots and pilot instructors, those over 65, to go on mandatory vacation while salary talks are underway. The union explains the move is going to compromise certification programs as the most experienced instructors are being laid off.

According to the union’s attorney, it is illegal to compel them to take vacation for reasons other than permitting them to rest or recuperate. The union explains El Al management is using vacation as a form of punishment in this case.

The union’s statement adds “… Management has decided that the salaries of these pilots will be reduced by tens of percentages from next month. The result of El Al management’s step will be growing harm to the number of pilots with a valid license at the service of the company in implementing its full schedule.”

Management insists that the government has adopted international regulations for pilots, which compels them to retire at the age of 65, when they must be prevented from flying commercial flights.

A deal providing an 8.75 salary raise was reached in December 2016 following weeks of pilot sanctions and disruptions, which had an impact on dozens of flights. The disruptions, including pilots calling in sick, resulted in delays and flight cancelations for about a month.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)