aviator_38
26th May 2003, 10:17
Evening all,
I see the saga continues.........the friend who sent the attached says that " this move is unprecedented,and the scene is set for a confrontation ....can only wait with abated breadth... ".
Regards
==============================================
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/storyprintfriendly/0,1887,191133,00.html?
MAY 26, 2003
SIA pilots refuse to budge on wage cut
By Ahmad Osman
PILOTS in Singapore Airlines are digging in and refusing to accept cost-cutting measures to keep the airline viable, despite urgings from the top, including from Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
SIA's wage-cut proposals are unacceptable, Air Line Pilots Association Singapore (Alpa-S) spokesman Frank John said, as the result would be a cut of up to 50 per cent in pilots' monthly incomes.
'Alpa-S has been singled out for mention although no other SIA union, as far as we know to date, has agreed to wage reductions, except for cabin crew taking compulsory no-pay leave,' he said.
The statement came a day after Mr Goh joined other government leaders and appealed to pilots to be flexible, saying the carrier's losses could mount to $1 billion this year.
Alpa-S represents 1,600 Singapore-based pilots. They are refusing to take 10 to 12 days of compulsory no-pay leave every two months and want SIA to first release 120 foreign pilots based overseas.
Management has also proposed wage cuts of 22.5 per cent for captains and 15 per cent for first officers. But pilots say this, plus the loss of flying hours, mean a loss of up to half their income.
Capt John said Monday's meeting with management to try and resolve the issue has been postponed to Tuesday.
SIA spokesman Rick Clements said the airline was still talking with unions and remained committed 'to taking whatever steps are necessary to get through this critical period with as few job losses as possible'.
Mr Goh said the Government would not intervene if negotiations stalled. But he urged the pilots to make personal sacrifices, saying the best way to protect their jobs is to ensure SIA continues to be a quality airline.
Labour chief Lim Boon Heng yesterday also urged Alpa-S to work with SIA to try and save jobs.
Speaking to reporters at a function in Jurong West, he also addressed concerns from the SIA Staff Union, Air-Transport Executive Staff Union, and SIA Engineering Company Engineers and Executives Union - whose members face a proposed 15-per-cent pay cut.
Many leaders and members of these unions want cuts restored when the economy rebounds, and suggested alternative cost-saving measures, such as axing foreign contract staff.
Mr Lim said SIA management ought to assure unions that there will be a fair payout when business improves.
But if SIA has to cut its workforce, it must retain the best performers irrespective of nationality, he said.
He warned that the longer it takes to find a solution, 'the higher the risks of the company getting into more severe problems requiring even more severe measures'.
I see the saga continues.........the friend who sent the attached says that " this move is unprecedented,and the scene is set for a confrontation ....can only wait with abated breadth... ".
Regards
==============================================
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/storyprintfriendly/0,1887,191133,00.html?
MAY 26, 2003
SIA pilots refuse to budge on wage cut
By Ahmad Osman
PILOTS in Singapore Airlines are digging in and refusing to accept cost-cutting measures to keep the airline viable, despite urgings from the top, including from Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
SIA's wage-cut proposals are unacceptable, Air Line Pilots Association Singapore (Alpa-S) spokesman Frank John said, as the result would be a cut of up to 50 per cent in pilots' monthly incomes.
'Alpa-S has been singled out for mention although no other SIA union, as far as we know to date, has agreed to wage reductions, except for cabin crew taking compulsory no-pay leave,' he said.
The statement came a day after Mr Goh joined other government leaders and appealed to pilots to be flexible, saying the carrier's losses could mount to $1 billion this year.
Alpa-S represents 1,600 Singapore-based pilots. They are refusing to take 10 to 12 days of compulsory no-pay leave every two months and want SIA to first release 120 foreign pilots based overseas.
Management has also proposed wage cuts of 22.5 per cent for captains and 15 per cent for first officers. But pilots say this, plus the loss of flying hours, mean a loss of up to half their income.
Capt John said Monday's meeting with management to try and resolve the issue has been postponed to Tuesday.
SIA spokesman Rick Clements said the airline was still talking with unions and remained committed 'to taking whatever steps are necessary to get through this critical period with as few job losses as possible'.
Mr Goh said the Government would not intervene if negotiations stalled. But he urged the pilots to make personal sacrifices, saying the best way to protect their jobs is to ensure SIA continues to be a quality airline.
Labour chief Lim Boon Heng yesterday also urged Alpa-S to work with SIA to try and save jobs.
Speaking to reporters at a function in Jurong West, he also addressed concerns from the SIA Staff Union, Air-Transport Executive Staff Union, and SIA Engineering Company Engineers and Executives Union - whose members face a proposed 15-per-cent pay cut.
Many leaders and members of these unions want cuts restored when the economy rebounds, and suggested alternative cost-saving measures, such as axing foreign contract staff.
Mr Lim said SIA management ought to assure unions that there will be a fair payout when business improves.
But if SIA has to cut its workforce, it must retain the best performers irrespective of nationality, he said.
He warned that the longer it takes to find a solution, 'the higher the risks of the company getting into more severe problems requiring even more severe measures'.