Lufthansa conversion must not endanger the Austrian location

As announced yesterday, Lufthansa plans a far -reaching restructuring. The Austrian subsidiary Austrian Airlines (AUA), which loses influence in the group, is also significantly affected by this. “There is currently no talk of direct downsizing, but we are not allowed to be mistaken,” warns Daniel Liebhart, aviation expert of the VIDA union. “There are already clear signs that the location of Austria is weakened. If the AUA continues to lose importance, the Austrian jobs are also threatened.”

Wet lease endangers Austrian jobs

A practice to cover demand tips or short-term failures of your own aircraft is to rent aircraft including foreign crews-the so-called wet lease. So not wherever it says, is also in it. “Meanwhile intended as an exception, this instrument is now developing into common practice,” criticizes Liebhart. “This means in reality: instead of using Austrian AUA staff, crews are employed from abroad. This means that Austrian employees lose their uses piece by piece. In contrast to the regular staff of the AUA, the foreign crews are often not subject to a collective agreement. This means that Austrian work and social standards are infiltrated.”

Particularly problematic: During the Corona crisis, Austrian taxpayers have hundreds of millions of euros for the rescue of the AUA. In contrast to Germany, however, the Republic of Austria has given up a say and participation. “This is now revenge – we saved the airline with tax money, but no influence that these funds also secure Austrian jobs sustainably,” said Liebhart.

Danger of further thinning

The excavation of smaller airplanes forced by the group in favor of larger Airbusse could also reduce the number of machines stationed in Vienna. This in turn would have a direct impact on the number of employees required: inside at the location. “Fewer planes in Vienna mean less work for Austrian staff-and more outsourcing abroad,” warns the VIDA trade unionist.

Investments in location instead of selling off

It is not too late to counteract. “In order to maintain a strong and competitive aviation in Austria, targeted investments in the AUA and a clear promise are required that enough aircraft and crews will remain stationed in Vienna,” says Liebhart. “It should not be that Austria saves tax money and then watched how local jobs are hollowed out by wet lease.”