International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) affiliated unions are urging Austrian Airlines (AUA) subsidiary Lauda Air to terminate its air services to Burma. The ITF has urged the Chief Executive of Austrian Airlines to suspend the only direct air service to the Burmese capital Rangoon by its subsidiary Lauda Air. This follows protests about the route by trade unions in the Star Alliance (of which Austrian is a member), who are opposed to the country's appalling human rights record.

ITF General Secretary David Cockroft called on Austrian CEO Dr Joseph Burger either to give notice that the Vienna-Rangoon service will end, or to meet the ITF and its Austrian affiliates, including HTV, to discuss suspending the service.

Links to the outside world and the revenue they generate perpetuate one of the most repressive regimes in the world, claim the ITF, global unions and civil society organisations.

The ITF's only Burmese affiliate, the Seafarers Union of Burma, operates in exile - genuine trade unions are illegal in Burma.

Contact Yasmin Prabhudas, Information and Policy Department, ITF
email:  prabhudas_yasmin@itf.org.uk


Note from BCA: There is an ongoing boycott-campaign against AUA and Lauda Air in 13 European countries. BOYCOTT AUA AND LAUDA AIR!