Pilots and cabin crew working as self-employed contractors on precarious contracts are discovering that they have reduced employment rights compared to directly employed personnel, according to the body representing 40,000 pilots across Europe.
In a statement issued today, the European Cockpit Association said that with aviation effectively grounded due to the Covid-19 virus, airlines and employment agencies have told thousands of aviation personnel that their employment agreement is terminated and that their last salary may not be paid.
The ECA estimates that almost 20% of pilots in Europe operate on precarious contracts, or working through a temporary work agency as supposedly self employed.