The 76^th Conference of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) in Singapore would like to draw the attention to the deteriorating labour situation affecting our colleagues of SAT Paraguay (Sindicato de Aeronavegantes de TAM) flying for LATAM Paraguay Airlines. The IFALPA Conference calls on the State of Paraguay and LATAM Airlines to respect pilots’ rights to free speech, their right to organize and the right to bargain collectively.

The Paraguayan government has ratified ILO Conventions 87 and 98: the Freedom of Association and the Right to Organize Convention and the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention, respectively. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Association, to form unions and engage in collective bargaining are guaranteed under these conventions. The Paraguayan government is expected to follow these Conventions.

This repressive labour environment coincides with a negative trend in positive safety culture. Active pilot participation within a positive safety culture which respects open reporting of safety issues without fear of punitive measures has been identified as key to continuous safety improvements and effective safety risk management.

The IFALPA Conference calls on all airlines and the States in which they operate to respect the rights of pilots to free speech, to organize, and to bargain collectively. We insist that LATAM Paraguay immediately cease their campaign of intimidation against their pilots who simply want to exercise their right to free speech and freedom of association.

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Contact: Emily Bitting, Senior Communications Specialist, emilybitting@ifalpa.org 
 
Note to Editors: 
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations represents more than 100,000 pilots in nearly 100 countries. The mission of IFALPA is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession, providing representation, services, and support to both our members and the aviation industry.