In November 2007, ETF adopted the “Co-op model” for FABs in Europe in which ETF members express their view about sustainable FAB implementation; sustainable for ANSP, Staff and airspace users.

It is generally agreed (by EU staff organizations, EU institutions and ANSPs’ organizations) that social dialogue is a key element for successful FAB implementation.

Indeed the establishment of FABs and the changes involved are more likely to be accepted by employees if they are involved from the early stages onwards. During the FABEC feasibility phase the level of social dialogue was not sufficient. Even so, we must acknowledge that some efforts were made, including a stakeholder forum, meetings at CEO level, and meetings with some of the study’s participants. Despite all of these elements, the social dialogue for the FABEC feasibility study contained more information than a real consultation process. Social dialogue implementation is one of the first and biggest challenges for the next phase of the FABEC project. The ETF asks for a noticeable improvement because otherwise staff support of the project can not be guaranteed.

ETF PROPOSALS FOR SOCIAL DIALOGUE IMPLEMENTATION ARE THE FOLLOWING:
- Setting up a recognized permanent Social Forum at the ANSP Strategic Board level
The creation of a permanent social forum at CEO level is a key element for the social dialogue implementation of FABEC. This forum would deal with strategic social issues and allow for a real consultation process on important elements for FABEC implementation that could have social consequences. It should be composed, on the staff side, by European Staff Organisations (ESO) – ATCEUC and ETF - and all their national members. Professional Staff Organisations (PSO) – IFATCA and IFATSEA - should be allowed to participate as observers. It would be the responsibility of the ANSPs to provide facilities for their national staff to attend the meetings of the social forum (days off and travel expenses) and, if necessary, to provide translation facilities. This permanent social forum should be organized at least twice a year. Terms of reference should be jointly adopted by CEOs and ESO.

- Direct involvement of staff representatives inside the Task Forces
Staff must have the possibility to play an active role on the project and not only receive the results of discussions and decisions that have been made. The work for FABEC implementation will be mainly carried out by ANSPs. Member’s states will also create Task forces that will discuss certain concrete elements that will be utilized in the implementation phase. Some of these Task forces may be strategic for staff (eg ATCO training or HR issues). In this respect ETF asks for a direct involvement of staff representatives in some of these Task Forces through the ESO and the PSO, as it is not possible to include any individual national organisations. We have already experienced similar situations while working on other important international projects, i.e., during the SESAR definition phase.

- Relations between social dialogue at FAB level and at national level.
Both levels of social dialogue (national and FABEC) must be complementary. Social Dialogue at FABEC level is necessary to have a complete overview and understanding about the project. However, the National level is the only relevant and entitled level for industrial relations and negotiations. This is why it is so important that in the decision making process for FABEC implementation, enough time should be allowed for a national negotiation in each country prior to making decisions that could have crucial social implications.

Attachments:

File	Description	File size
ETF proposal for FAB EC Social Dialogue		39 Kb