Flybe pilots threaten strike action ahead of flotation
Wednesday, December 08, 2010, 09:59
More than 700 pilots at airline Flybe last night threatened to take industrial action over pay, pensions and working patterns – a week before the company is set to launch its stock market flotation.
The pilots' union, the British Airline Pilots' Association (Balpa), said a pay claim submitted to Flybe in February has been ignored, as have concerns over the way the airline organises its flying schedules.
Balpa accused Flybe, which is 15 per cent owned by British Airways, of putting all its resources into its proposed stock market flotation, a process set to start on December 14.
Reg Allen, Balpa head of industrial relations, said: "Unless the company sorts out these problems quickly it could lead to industrial action."
The Exeter-based airline, which employs more than 2,900 people and operates 215 routes across Europe, posted pre-tax profits of £6.8 million in the year to March 31, down from £12.8 million the previous year.
The union's warning could not come at a worst time, as Flybe prepares to go public and attract potential shareholders. The airline, which flew 7.2 million passengers in the last financial year, said some cash raised will pay for a fleet of new aircraft.
The carrier would not comment on the expected value but a recent report suggested it could be in the region of £200million.
Balpa said it wanted potential investors to be aware of the problems at Flybe. It said pilots at the airline accepted a pay freeze last year and will be hoping for a better outcome this year.
Mr Allen said: "I would remind Flybe that its pilots have helped the company through difficult times, especially by deferring their 2009/10 pay claim, and they are now resolved that the next settlement will give them a fair deal.
"The 700 pilots we represent have made it quite clear they want a decent settlement this time, and the company would be ill-advised to have its eye only on the float."
The threat of industrial action comes at the end of a year in which cabin crew strikes at British Airways caused major disruption to air travel.
Flybe said it was surprised Balpa had "chosen to raise issues in this way".
A spokesman said: "Flybe is currently in a structured negotiation with Balpa on a range of issues. This is a normal process which takes place every one or two years dependent on the length of the negotiated deal. We have a good record of industrial relations and are one of the few airlines to have avoided redundancy in the recent recession and one of the few to have continued pilot recruitment."
Flybe said it had further discussions scheduled with Balpa.