Chertsey : The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) issued a statement of support to the Hungarian Airlines Pilots Association (HUNALPA) in the event of any industrial action it may undertake as a result of failed negotiations with the airline’s management in accordance with the association’s request for mutual assistance.

Specifically, this will include:

A Ban on Extra Flights and/or Capacity: IFALPA Member Association pilots will be asked not to operate flights added to their airline’s schedules specifically to make up for shortfalls in Malév Hungarian Airlines’ capacity during any industrial action.

A Ban on Wet Leasing: IFALPA will ask Member Association pilots not to operate services on behalf of Malév Hungarian Airlines.

Assistance to Pilots Stranded Away from Home Base: IFALPA will ask Member Associations to offer whatever assistance is required to look after pilots stranded abroad by this dispute.

HUNALPA pilots have been negotiating for some time and want to reach an agreement that is in the best longterm interests of the employer and the pilots. The pilots seek recognition of seniority, layoff rules in accordance with seniority, to block management from hiring pilots outside of the Malév Hungarian Airlines pilots’ collective labor agreement, and to negotiate a new salary system as required by the current collective labour agreement.