The Influence of Industrial Relations on Commercial Flight Safety

Abstract

The global aviation industry is a cost-intensive and highly competitive business environment where there is constant pressure on airline managers to reduce costs and maximize profits. This is juxtaposed with the self-interests of organized labor union groups which can lead to poor industrial relations. This conflict can have adverse consequences as it has been shown that some workplace accidents can come from low morale along with friction between management and employees. The researchers first use the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) as forensic tool to analyze a previous accident where the HFACS was not used. This analysis proved that industrial relations between management and the pilots’ union was a possible contributing factor to the accident. Results from a survey of four major international airlines indicated that poor industrial relations between management and pilots are reflected in pilots’ general workplace motivation.