Unite reaction to BMI job cuts
25 November 2009
Unite, Britain's biggest union, expressed anger at bmi's
announcement to cut 600 jobs and close the final salary pension
scheme to its existing members.
Brian Boyd, Unite national officer for civil aviation said:
"Today's announcement is further indication of the difficulties in
the airline industry. However, the fact that another 600 jobs are
being lost confirms our belief that far too many employers are
treating people's livelihoods with disregard. Unite understands the
need to cut costs but job losses seem to be the kneejerk reaction.
To cut jobs so close to Christmas is at best insensitive.
"Unite met with bmi today and will continue to do everything
possible to reduce the need for compulsory redundancies and explore
options to keep the pension scheme open.
"Only six months after Sir Michael Bishop received £360 million
from the sale of bmi to Lufthansa, the changes that we suspected
for sometime are now happening. The uncertainty that comes with
this news also casts doubts on other bmi operations, including its
regional airline business in Aberdeen. Unite will be seeking
assurances on the future of this important Scottish base."
ENDS
Contact:: Ciaran Naidoo 07768 931 315
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