Open social dialogue as key element for cooperation within FABEC

On 15 October, the annual FABEC Social Dialogue Tripartite meeting once again brought together staff-union representatives, ANSP management and States. In Paris, under the chairmanship of the French DGAC all parties underlined the importance of an open social dialogue to find the best ways and solutions to cooperate within FABEC. They exchanged views and updates of key topics relevant to the FABEC community and the wider European Air Traffic Management (ATM) such as SES2+ regulation, the EU performance plan for the 4th reference period (RP4), SESAR deployment and the ATM Master plan 2024.

Agenda items also included ongoing discussions around Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCO) licensing, as well as updates on the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Fatigue Study. These discussions are critical in addressing human resource challenges and ensuring the sustainable development of the ATM system.

The annual meeting serves as a platform for social dialogue, a cornerstone of FABEC's commitment to fostering an open exchange between States, ANSPs, and staff-union representatives. The objective of social dialogue within FABEC is to ensure transparency, collaboration, and the alignment of perspectives on crucial matters affecting performance and safety. FABEC Social Dialogue aims to address challenges and opportunities through cooperative efforts and shared knowledge, thereby supporting the advancement of a competitive, fair, and socially well-balanced ATM system in Europe.

Jean-Christophe Braun, representing the FABEC States presidency, said: „Social dialogue remains key for including our employees in order to pursue the ambitious and strategic objectives of the FABEC ANSP strategy.“

In retrospect of reviewing that strategy last year Philippe Pusset, FABEC’s Social Dialogue manager added: „While this reset helped FABEC ANSP cooperation to become more focused and remain fit for purpose in the complex aviation environment, also social dialogue will become more accurate and and more effcient.“

In addition, next steps for InterFAB were also discussed, focusing on fostering collaboration between FABEC and like-minded Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) to share views and enhance operational efficiency. The meeting concluded with a reinforced commitment to ongoing social dialogue and collaboration within the FABEC framework.