Brussels Airlines pilots and cabin crew can still refuse to operate flights to and from the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, the airline's management stated during talks with the trade unions on Thursday.
Brussels Airlines has been operating flights between Brussels and Tel Aviv again for several weeks. Earlier this week, the Christian trade union ACV Puls had complained that these flights were no longer being operated by volunteers but were now simply being scheduled.
However, the union does not agree with the assessment that the situation in Tel Aviv is safe enough to resume flights as normal. Among other things, it pointed out that Belgium's Foreign Affairs Ministry still advises against non-essential travel to Israel.
Discussions on the matter took place on Thursday. “We have taken the time to listen to and respond to all concerns regarding the safety of our operations to Tel Aviv,” said Nico Cardone, spokesperson for Brussels Airlines.
While it is true that flights are now being scheduled as normal, “there are procedures in aviation whereby staff members do not have to operate a flight if they are not feeling well mentally", he said. This is a condition known as ‘unfit to fly’.
"We have emphasised that our colleagues can use this procedure as always without having to fear any repercussions," Cardone added.
ACV Puls said in a statement on Friday that it was pleased that clarity was being provided for the staff concerned. “These guarantees are important for staff and prove once again that we are stronger together,” said Jolinde Defieuw of ACV Puls.
"As a trade union, we want everyone to be able to carry out their work in safe and responsible conditions," she said. "We are pleased that Brussels Airlines is taking the physical and mental well-being of its staff into account.”
At the same time, ACV Puls remains "critical of the Federal Government's stance" on the situation. "The government is not taking its responsibilities seriously enough. As far as we are concerned, under the current circumstances, there simply should be no commercial flights to Tel Aviv," said Defieuw.
On Thursday, another flight to Tel Aviv was able to depart.
