Here's the letter to QR cabin crew that went out a couple of days ago. Similar CEO letters will inevitably go to employee groups throughout the industry in the weeks to come.
GCEO/CC/108/20E
04 MAY 2020
To: All Cabin Crew
Sub: COVID-19
Dear All,
Despite all the efforts and hopes for a quick rebound, we are facing adversity on unprecedented scale. The global outlook for our industry looks grim and many airlines are closing or significantly reducing operations. Unfortunately, Qatar Airways is not immune to this challenge. Let me assure you that no effort was spared to keep all our aircrafts in the skies — you were a vital part of the continuous operations for which our passengers from all over the world applaud you. Now, we have to face a new reality, where many borders are closed, rendering many of our destinations closed and aircrafts grounded as a result, with no foreseeable outlook for immediate, positive change.
The truth is, we simply cannot sustain the current staff numbers and will need to make a substantial number of jobs redundant — inclusive of Cabin Crew. Your management will be communicating details of the planned reductions in the upcoming weeks. As the leader of Qatar Airways, it is a very difficult message to pass to you, because your hard work is what makes this Company great and continuously recognized worldwide for the best customer service. I understand that this situation will impact your careers and personal lives. This is why I requested our HR Department to work on a special recruitment program that will allow for your swift return to Qatar Airlines in the future, should the opportunity arise.
Finally, I wanted to seek your cooperation with your management and HR during this difficult transition. Everyone impacted by any redundancy will be paid all contractual dues and outstanding overtime payments, as applicable. For those who cannot return to their home countries straight away, the Company will provide housing and a special living allowance until repatriation is possible.
Yet again, I wanted to thank you for your loyalty, contributions and resilience. Qatar Airways will do everything to bring the operations back up and offer you the ability to rejoin, if possible.
Regards,
Akbar Al Baker
Group Chief Executive