Reykjavik-based Icelandair has reversed a decision which would have seen it fire all its cabin crew and make pilots look after the passengers.
On Friday (July 17), the airline said its negotiations with the Icelandic Cabin Crew Association (FFI) had come to an end “without a conclusion” and that from today, the company’s pilots would take over responsibility for onboard safety.
Despite the failed negotiations between Icelandair and the union, the parties have now managed to resume discussions and have signed a new collective-bargaining agreement.
In a statement, the company said: “Due to this progress, Icelandair’s pilots will not take over responsibility for onboard safety and the most recent cabin crew layoffs will be withdrawn.”
The firm says the objectives of the agreement are “increasing productivity and flexibility for the company and at the same time ensures competitive compensation for cabin crew members”.
The first deal was voted down by the union’s members by a majority of 73:27. The new agreement is yet to voted on by FFI members but a conclusion from the ballot is expected on July 27.
The flag carrier is currently flying from its Keflavik hub to Amsterdam/Schiphol, Boston/Logan, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, but not to any UK airport.
