Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Cargolux and Luxair in phase 4: carpet bombing

My Orchids. Phalaneopsis chain reaction. Photo ET


Cargolux and Luxair in phase 4: carpet bombing

Today Luxair denounced the CWA just as Cargolux did a couple of weeks ago. Both companies are closely related as they have similar share holders, Luxair even is a share holder of Cargolux, and both are the two significant players based at the Luxembourg airport where they are also operationally tied together.

The move is not totally unexpected, given the intertwined relationship and the earlier initiative of Cargolux. It is however surprising, as this move is not following the "Luxembourg model".

What is disturbing in that respect is that there was no real dialogue. None of Cargolux and Luxair really brought up any issue for discussion. Both managements were advancing generally that competitiveness concerns were their motivation, indicating that cuts had to take place. But both were unwilling and unable to define the issues and to engage in a negotiation, a give and take.

The main reason: consultants are working on reports, which are expected to be ready later this year. Really? But why then is any action required now, as no one knows yet what there is to talk about? My conclusion is that no talks are actually desired, not now, and not when those famous reports come out. The wishful thinking is probably  that the experts' findings and conclusions are not intended to be discussed. Just applied. A dictate. The government, a key stakeholder, fakes neutrality, a player at arm's length. It is difficult to believe that there is no government approved policy backing those denouncements.

Assuming such a consent, both airlines will now be run like Air Forces, indulging in carpet bombing. No discussion tolerated. Of course the term carpet bombing comes from carpet, which generally covers a larger area. The area now covers the denounced CWA's of Cargolux and Luxair employees, and puts pressure on more and more people, to emphasize the crisis and undermine resistance.

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