Dr. Andreas Pinheiro

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Dr. Andreas Pinheiro

Pilots' union reaffirms demands in light of challenges within the Lufthansa Group

At its general meeting today, the pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) discussed key professional and union policy issues and reaffirmed its positions. The discussions focused on the growing challenges within the Lufthansa Group and the defense of fundamental union rights, particularly freedom of association and the right to co-determination. In his speech, the union's president, Dr. Andreas Pinheiro, highlighted the considerable potential for conflict and the union challenges facing pilots, particularly within the Lufthansa Group. In light of current developments, he called on members to show unity and solidarity in order to effectively counter the increasing pressure on working conditions and co-determination rights. Vereinigung Cockpit took a particularly clear stance against any restrictions on freedom of association, which it considers inextricably linked to the right to co-determination in shaping working conditions. Dr. Pinheiro emphasized that sustainable, fair, and long-term successful corporate management can only succeed if the employee side is actively involved in decision-making processes. The union emphasized the pilots' high level of responsibility for the safety and stability of air traffic and called on German airlines to adopt long-term, responsible management practices that respect the interests of their employees. The general meeting concluded with a signal of unity and determination to continue advocating for pilots' rights and sustainable, safe aviation in Germany.

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Cockpit Association draws positive conclusion after industrial action at Discover Airlines

The Cockpit Association (VC) has drawn a positive interim conclusion following the industrial action by pilots at Discover Airlines. Negotiations on a new remuneration and collective agreement for the cockpit staff of EW Discover GmbH, who are stationed in Germany, have begun. Despite challenges and "attempts at intimidation" by the employer, the VC representatives emphasize that the pilots want to negotiate their own terms and conditions. Andreas Pinheiro, President of the Cockpit Association, announced that the VC will continue to negotiate in order to achieve better working conditions and collective agreements for its members. The solidarity measures at Lufthansa Cityline and Lufthansa Passage have shown that the Discover pilots are part of a strong and supportive community.

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VC asks Ryanair to comment on flights to Tel Aviv

Andreas Pinheiro, President of the Cockpit Association (VC), has written an open letter calling on Ryanair to communicate clear positions on the operating conditions for flights to Tel Aviv. The background to this is the special security situation in the Middle East, which entails increased risks for crews. The Ryanair Transnational Pilot Group (RTPG) had previously expressed similar concerns, but Ryanair has so far failed to respond. The VC stresses the need to let pilots decide for themselves whether they want to accept a deployment to a region with increased security risks. This is common practice in other German airlines, says Pinheiro. The VC urges Ryanair to fulfill its duty of care towards the crews and to take flight safety into account when deciding on flights to Tel Aviv. VC experts generally warn against flights to war and crisis zones due to the difficult-to-calculate risks that can arise for civil aviation. They underline the importance of a voluntary and comprehensive risk assessment by the captain in order to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft.

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The Cockpit Association warns of a shortage of pilots

At the ILA Berlin Air Show, the Cockpit Association warned of acute staff shortages in European cockpits. Pilots are becoming increasingly scarce in Germany and Europe. During the Corona crisis, numerous training courses were interrupted or canceled, which is now leading to a shortage of skilled workers. In addition, further gaps are emerging due to the departure of the baby boomer generation. Andreas Pinheiro, President of the Cockpit Association, emphasizes that the staff shortage is already noticeable and that further burdening existing staff is not a solution. He calls for efforts across Germany and Europe as well as increased financial investment by employers in training in order to continue to provide highly qualified staff. Anja Granvogl, Board Member for Flight Safety, strictly rejects efforts to reduce cockpit crews and emphasizes that safety can only be guaranteed with at least two well-trained pilots.

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Cockpit association with new president

The Cockpit Association (VC) has elected Andreas Pinheiro as its new president in its regular election. Together with Vice President Katharina Dieseldorff and the newly formed board, which serves a four-year term, Pinheiro will take over the leadership of the pilots' association with immediate effect. After his election, Pinheiro stressed that his team would tackle the challenges ahead quickly. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with international associations and unity within the profession. "We want to create new trust among members in their association and establish a social partnership on an equal footing with employers," said Pinheiro. The new management team represents experience from twelve different flight companies, seven of which are outside the Lufthansa Group. Dieseldorff emphasized the common identity of the pilots, regardless of flight operations, and the importance of strong representation of their interests.

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