NPC Newsmaker Program: Airline Labor to Discuss Global Action

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Apr 15, 2011, 12:22 ET

Aviation labor leaders from five continents to outline plans for new alliance, new approaches to collective bargaining

National Press Club, Zenger Room, 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 20

(Dial-in option for reporters outside D.C. and overseas)

Panel to include James C. Little, Transport Workers Union of America, USA; Rhys McCarthy, Unite, United Kingdom; Linda White, Australian Services Union; Gabriel Mocho Rodriguez, International Transport Workers Federation

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As global businesses shift work from country to country and as industries form global alliances, especially in the airline industry, labor union rules are changing. Labor leaders spanning the globe will discuss their plans to forge new strategies and tactics to match globalization in commercial aviation. This follows an unprecedented Washington meeting of unions that represent workers employed at airlines in the one-world alliance. In the airline industry, most major airlines have reorganized into three global alliances. These "partner airlines," through de facto mergers, are changing flights, routes, code sharing, terminals and advertising to reflect the change. In some cases these partnerships are allowing airlines to shift labor, offshore maintenance and avoid regulation. What does this mean for air travelers and airline workers?

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SOURCE National Press Club