Trade unions of Czech airline Smartwings declare strike alert

Prague [Czech Republic], June 3: Four unions of the Czech airline Smartwings declared a strike alert on Monday over poor management.
In a joint statement, the unions accuse the airline of a long-term pilot shortage, which they say results in overwork, random changes in flight planning, non-compliance with rules and lack of communication from management.
"Smartwings is the largest domestic air transport company, which is unfortunately -- contrary to the wishes of its employees -- known for frequent delays or canceled flights. This fact is due, among other things, to the lack of flight personnel caused by a high turnover of pilots in the company," said the statement.
The unions, which include aircrew union and aviation workers' union, are calling for immediate changes in the airline's management and plan to reassess the situation after 10 days, with the option of initiating a strike, noting that the strike warning is "directed against the no longer sustainable Smartwings system."
"We appeal to all employees to support the strike readiness from today by not accepting random changes, but strictly adhering only to the work obligations arising from employment contracts and properly planned shifts," said the statement.
"We hope that the strike readiness will help to reassess Smartwings' relationship with its employees and lead to an improvement in their working conditions," it added.
Smartwings said it is operationally prepared and staffed for the summer season and any strike by employees would be illegal, according to local media.
Smartwings has been active on the market since 1997, offering regular flights to more than 80 destinations.
Source: Xinhua News Agency