Whilst promoting the recent successful launch of BALPA’s Security Liaison Representative Programme - Jim McAuslan, BALPA General Secretary commented on the current UK RZ (restricted zone) pass system.

“Currently pilots are issued with an RZ pass that is only valid at the airport of issue. BALPA points to examples such as in Canada and the USA where a country-wide scheme has been successfully introduced with proven technology”.

“This should be a priority for Government rather than the Home Office’s plans to force through a national ID card on the back of airport workers which will do nothing to improve aviation security and is not even a foundation for a national RZ system. Rather than playing Big Brother the Government should be sorting out the hotchpotch of rules and systems that cause frustration to thousands of airside workers. We are working with fellow trade unions in aviation to press the case that:

• the unsatisfactory day-to-day experience of groups such as pilots and cabin crew in passing through security;

• concerns over existing security weaknesses, such as breaches in perimeter fence security, and airside demonstrations;

• examples of temporary and agency staff apparently being employed in large numbers with no apparent attempt to meet the normal security standards,

• the recruitment of staff – from pilots to agency workers – on lower rates across the wider EU labour market, including from Member States with less robust and developed CRC checks and reporting, and also differing legislative standards on particularly sensitive offences; and

• on associated costs of implementation: that there should be no "on- cost” to workers as a result of the necessity to
produce an I D Card while employed airside within the UK.”