EU to Tackle Labour Standards in Low-Cost Airline 'Wet Leasing'
The European Commission is set to intervene in the low-cost airline sector, with a focus on the growing practice of 'wet leasing'. This involves major airliners subcontracting flights to low-cost carriers during peak months, potentially breaching European labour and social protection standards.
The Commission is reviewing the Regulation on Rules for the Provision of Air Services. It aims to strengthen enforcement of labour laws, even in wet-lease situations. Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, has acknowledged concerns about labour practices in the low-cost sector. The review may introduce clearer criteria and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with labour standards in wet-lease arrangements. Wet leasing is a common practice in the EU, used to boost operational flexibility.
The European Commission is committed to addressing labour practices that fall under national jurisdiction. It will consider measures to support the application of labour law in the review of the air services regulation, with a focus on wet-lease practices.
