Pilots and cabin crew threaten with strike

Croatia Airlines crew plan walkout

The cabin crew union at Croatia Airlines has said that it is considering going on strike because their salaries are lower than those in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, the “Index.hr” portal reports. Earlier this year, Croatia Airlines pilots also threatened to go on strike. However, it was diverted after talks between the management and the pilots began. Since a collective agreement between the two sides has not been signed, pilots are also threatening to join their colleagues in strike action.

The cabin crew could begin industrial action as early as next week. Croatia Airlines cabin crew earn approximately 550 Euros per month. Their pay has been slashed by 5%, work hours increased, holiday leave decreased and bonuses have been discontinued.

Croatia Airlines has seen an 11% decrease in passenger numbers in the first quarter of 2010 when compared to the same period last year. It carried 383.400 passengers, while its average cabin load factor per flight stood at 52.7%.