MEPs who voted to back Commission plans on new unsafe requirements and procedures on cabin crew working time have shown an astonishing lack of dignity today.

But one third of MEPs sent a strong signal to the Commission by backing the GUE/NGL Resolution calling to reject the Commission blueprint.

218 MEPs voted in support of the motion for rejecting the flawed Commission proposal but unfortunately 387 MEPs voted against this motion for rejection.

GUE/NGL MEP Jaromír Kohlíček said: “This is a disastrous missed opportunity. The European Parliament could have sent a clear signal to the Commission that its proposals don't take into consideration the safety of passengers and pilots alike. Instead, MEPs have backed both the interests of profit making airlines and approved a false Commission procedure. We object to such procedures being used.”

GUE/NGL MEP Sabine Wils said: “A tired pilot is a dangerous pilot. Tired cabin crew will not be able to respond properly in an emergency. Passenger safety must take precedence over the profits of the airlines!”

GUE/NGL MEP João Ferreira said: “We are used to seeing the Commission and the majority in this Parliament defend specific vested interests. In opposing this proposal I am quite sure we have the support of workers across the European Union.”

GUE/NGL MEP Jacky Henin said: “The majority in this Parliament want to impose 11 hour shifts on workers – the same majority in Parliament that start banging on their desks in protest when they have to vote for more than two hours.”

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group