Ryanair moves goalpost for Buzz. Surprise!!
Latest letter from KLM>
21 Feb 2003
Dear Colleague
I wrote to you on 31st January 2003, to advise you of the announcement of KLM to sell its shares to Ryanair with effect from 01 April 2003.
As you are also aware some changes were required by klm uk ltd in order to achieve this sa;e. Specifically, we needed to set up a new company, buzzaway ltd, and to transfer assets and all our staff into this entity by 31 march 2003. We have been working closely with your representatives on the consultation process required in this TUPE transfer. As the transfer from klm uk ltd to buzzaway ltd, does not in itself mean any changes to terms and conditions, understandably most of the focus of the two consultation sessions to date, has been on the intentions of ryanair post the purchase of the company. We are required under the TUPE process to disclose information, where it is available from the new owners on what the intentions are likely to be. To date we have provided that information within the questions and answers sent to you on 14th feb and within the consultation meetings.
You will recall that at the session on monday 4th feb in the sessions with Michael O'leary he intimated that subject to the due diligence process, ryanair would operate 12 aircraft and make in the region of 100 staff redundant.
I must now advise you that in a communication received early yesterday evening from ryanair that previous information has been substantially altered and the situation has significantly worsened.
Ryanair have confirmed that the restructuring of buzz is likely to include the following-
THE GROUNDING OF ALL BUZZ FLIGHTS FOR AT LEAST THE MONTH OF APRIL 2003
THE TERMINATION OF 10 BUZZ ROUTES FROM 31ST MARCH
THE BUZZ FLEET WILL BE REDUCED FROM 12 TO 8 AIRCRAFT, 6 737 AND 2 146.
THERE WILL BE UP TO 400 REDUNDANCIES IN BUZZ POST GROUNDING FROM MARCH 2003
THE REMAINING 200 OR SO STAFF WILL BE OFFERED INCREASED PAY AND PRODUCTIVITY ALLOWANCES.
Basically KLM have sold them down the river. Does anybody remember good old AIR UK before the dutch got involved, Stansted should have been full of union jacks not harps.
Lets just hope the take over doesn't meet regulatory approval!!
I fell sorry for the staff that have worked so hard to make a go of buzz, to now be sold off.
Thanks KLM