Uncertainty ‘incredibly unsettling’

Unite which represents over 450 workers at regional airline Flybe is seeking to minimise job losses at Flybe and provide reassurances about the company’s overall health after a clutch of flights were today (April 3) cancelled for ‘operational reasons’.

A total of 32 flights were cancelled from airports in Birmingham, Newcastle, Southampton, Belfast City, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, affecting about 1,000 customers.

Consultation talks are due to begin next week (April 10) on proposals by Flybe to place at risk of redundancy 38 pilots and 52 cabin crew. The redundancies are linked to Flybe’s proposals to close both the Cardiff and Doncaster airbases from October 1, 2019.

“Unite is seeking to minimise the potential job losses and secure assurances about Flybe’s long-term future,” said Unite regional officer Peter Coulson.

“Our members are justifiably concerned about their jobs and future employment, as a result of the company cancelling a number of flights for ‘operational reasons’ and having launched a redundancy programme.

“It is essential that Flybe is fully transparent with its workforce about the exact situation facing the company. The current uncertainty is incredibly unsettling and is in danger of severely damaging morale at the company.”

In January Flybe was purchased for ÂŁ2.2 million by a consortium of Virgin Atlantic and the Stobart Group. Cyrus Capital Partners also has a stake in the new venture.