Finnair has begun discussions with the union as the pilot strike may impact cooperation agreements.
Negotiations with the Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association (FALPA, SLL) are not proceeding smoothly, and the union-affiliated pilots have prohibited standby duties and overtime, affecting routes to Japan.
Finnair has wet-leased two Airbus A330 aircraft to Qantas for routes between Singapore, Bangkok, and Sydney due to the closure of Russian airspace, ensuring employment for approximately 90 pilots. However, as the strike extends to these flights, discussions to amend the agreement with Qantas have commenced. If the wet-lease is terminated, there may be a possibility of reducing or temporarily laying off these pilots.
Chief Personnel Officer Kaisa Aalto Luoto commented, “In our 101-year history, we have never needed to reduce pilot employment for operational reasons. Even when Russian airspace was closed and our operational environment fundamentally changed, we succeeded in securing pilot employment through cooperation agreements.”
The union also insists that standby duties should always be voluntary. Previously part of the collective labor agreement, they are now preparing to include standby duties in all employment contracts.
