104 pilots returned to Avianca

Yesterday, Avianca made official before the Colombian Ministry of Labor the agreement that allows the reinstatement of 104 pilots (out of 109). Such contracts had been terminated in the framework of the strike they carried out in 2017.

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This was announced by Avianca in a meeting with the Ministry of Labor, headed by Minister Ángel Custódio Cabrera, and the National Businessmen’s Association of Colombia, headed by President Bruce Mac Master.

«We greatly celebrate the agreement that Avianca and ACDAC have reached after three months of talks. This deal positively impacts the company’s labor relations culture, while enhancing social dialogue as a confidence-building element. It also improves the labor climate, which clearly impacts the social and economic development of the country and the increase of the Company’s productivity as well as the welfare of workers and their families.» said Angel Custodio Cabrera, Minister of Labor

In preparation:

The pilots began their technical and human factors training phase on January 15 of this year and will finish in December 2022. Once this process is completed, they will be able to fly again with the company.

«The reinstatement of our pilots is one more step towards building an Avianca for all. We managed to initiate this dialogue to find an agreed and de-judicialized solution to this matter. We are doing the right thing for the company, for its people, and for the country. Our purpose is to look forward and grow in a sustainable way with a labor environment based on social dialogue,» said Adrian Neuhauser, President, and CEO of Avianca.

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The meeting takes place after some negotiations between the company and the pilots. Its purpose was to resolve differences and national and international legal proceedings.

This act has immense relevance. It shows that social dialogue is the way to solve even the most difficult events, the most conflictive situations, and the biggest differences,» said Bruce Mac Master, President of ANDI.

Avianca thanked the willingness of the Ministry of Labor to participate in a permanent dialogue, as well as that of ACDAC to reach an agreement. The agreement is filed with the Ministry of Labor to protect it from third parties and ensure compliance.