JSCL: "But why cause hardship for even more people?"
Because it would release large amounts of cash funds that the company may well need over the next few weeks and months. Under exceptional circumstances and particularly if the stability and health of the company is under question, the board's decision could be rescinded. These are indeed exceptional conditions and will directly affect many easyJet employees now and in the future. There is also a very strong moral case for hanging onto the cash right now.
To suggest that pensioners will be adversely affected is (in the short term particularly) absurd. If half of your staff get laid off I think you will find it is they who will be adversely affected.
I will ignore your reference to my ignorance as you have no idea about my background and experience in these fields.
There is a very strong case for stopping (or seriously reducing) payouts to shareholders and hanging on to those fund to help it through the next few months of uncertainty.
Good luck to you all.