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The Independent Flight Attendants Organisation (UFO) expresses concern about Lufthansa City Airlines‘ announcement to hire cabin crew without German language skills. This could jeopardise existing safety standards that have so far been supported by the UFO and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Security concerns due to language skills
UFO is concerned that Lufthansa City Airlines is planning to employ cabin crew who do not speak German. Joachim Vázquez Bürger of UFO argues that this not only represents a deviation from established safety standards, but could also endanger safety on board. Together with EASA, last week they emphasized the importance of a uniform language for efficient communication in emergency situations.
German as a prerequisite questioned
The union criticizes the fact that knowledge of German and English is no longer a mandatory requirement for employment at Lufthansa City Airlines. This would undermine the current requirements and have a negative impact on quality and safety on board. The testing of English skills is also only carried out half-heartedly, it says.
Connection with corporate strategy
UFO sees the lowering of qualification standards as being directly linked to the announcement by Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, who emphasized that aircraft should be stationed where operating costs are lowest. Vázquez Bürger goes on to say that this is a worrying trend that threatens not only quality but also safety standards in the long term.
Call for negotiations
UFO demands that constructive collective bargaining should be initiated immediately to ensure attractive and safe, but competitive working conditions. This is essential in order to compete for skilled workers without compromising safety. The union stands ready to address future and existing concerns.
The Independent Flight Attendants Organisation (UFO) is the leading union for cabin crew in Germany. With a focus on safety and fair working conditions, the organisation advocates for the interests of the crew and for maintaining the highest safety standards in air traffic.
