Pilots and flight attendants back mechanics in Icelandair dispute

Flight attendants and pilots have backed Iceland’s aircraft mechanics in their labour dispute with Icelandair and urged both sides to use the remaining time to reach an agreement and avert a strike, mbl.is reported.

The Flight Attendants’ Association of Iceland and the Icelandic Airline Pilots Association published statements supporting strike action by Icelandair’s mechanics. The strike is due to begin at midnight unless an agreement is reached.

“Solidarity among trade unions and their members is important when terms and rights are at stake,” the flight attendants’ association said. It added that workers’ right to strike must be respected and that labour disputes should be resolved fairly and objectively at the negotiating table.

The association also stressed the importance of aircraft mechanics to air travel in Iceland, saying they play a key role in ensuring the safety of passengers and crews. Their work carries significant responsibility and is often performed in demanding conditions, where professionalism, knowledge and experience are essential.

The pilots’ association urged the negotiating parties to pursue every possible avenue to reach an agreement and prevent the strike.

The flight attendants’ association called on both sides to use the short time remaining to reach a settlement, avoiding both a strike and legislation to stop the action. Iceland’s parliament could only take such exceptional measures if compelling public interests required it.