Sweden
Striking SAS pilots reject further return campaigns
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) pilots are ruling out further disruptions to their week-long strike after measures were taken to return stranded holidaymakers at the weekend.
Posted: 3:56 am
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Updated: 03:56 AM
Pilots’ union SPG accused the company’s management of violating the agreed framework on Sunday. According to union boss Martin Lindgren, the flights are intended only for destinations where there are few or no alternatives to a return flight.
However, Lindgren said, “much to our surprise,” many of the flights went to popular vacation destinations such as Rhodes, Crete and Split. There are already alternative travel options. For this reason, SPG decided not to allow further exceptions after Sunday flights.
SAS spokeswoman Karin Nyman criticized the union’s decision. The company made all efforts to ensure that complex requirements for around 70 aircraft were met over the weekend. He dismissed the union’s reports on alternative travel options for stranded tourists.
The holiday season is at its absolute peak, with all seats booked on all airlines, and the pilots union knows that, Nyman said.
SAS pilots walked off the job on July 4 after collective bargaining failed. They are fighting against planned pay cuts, which they say could be as much as 30 percent. (SDA)