‘Time is running out’

Unite has called on the government to urgently bring forward a “coherent strategy” for the aviation sector as a whole, as potential job losses mount and hard-earned pay, terms and conditions are threatened.

Giving evidence at the transport select committee today (May 20), Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland said, “If there isn’t revenue coming in to the industry it’s not just the airlines [affected], it’s the airports, it’s everything down the line and of course all the people that work there.

“We are extremely worried about the future, and that’s why we need to come together now to look at what plans we have to restart, to rebuild confidence,” she added.

Urgency 

The urgency for government intervention has been underlined by major employers in the aviation as well as associated aerospace sectors announcing over 30,000 potential job losses in recent weeks.

Companies including British Airways, Rolls-Royce and Virgin have all announced they are planning to make large numbers of workers redundant.

In the comprehensive strategy that Unite is advocating, the government would provide loans to airlines and airports with strict rules on how the money could be used.

As part of this support Unite believes that key issues such as dramatically improved environmental standards, regional connectivity and public service obligations are hardwired into the government’s aviation strategy and embraced by its key players.

“Over two months ago the government promised a bespoke package of support for the aviation industry; that is still to be delivered and time is running out,” commented Holland after giving her evidence.

“Tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of jobs are under threat without specific government support, given the unprecedented effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the aviation sector.

“The aviation sector will return to viability once the UK emerges from the current pandemic and as an island nation it is critical to the future success of the economy.”

But she added, if the industry was ever to survive this crisis there must be specific government support.

She said, “The government should be using this opportunity to reshape the aviation sector. As well as protecting jobs they should be requiring the industry signs up to strict standards to dramatically improve environmental standards, ensure regional connectivity and introduce clear public service obligations into the sector.

“Everyone has a part to play and Unite is absolutely clear that workers should not be paying the price by losing their jobs or having their pay and terms and conditions slashed.”

READ: Unite’s comprehensive blueprint on how the government should provide support for the aviation sector

CONCERNED FOR FUTURE OF AVIATION? Write to your MP

SEE UNITE GUIDANCE – on your rights and staying safe

By Barckley Sumner