Many workers will be affected, says union

SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines’ intended restructuring, which involves laying off thousands of workers, is a major concern for the National Union of Flight Attendants (Nufam).

“It will affect many MAS workers. How this process will do good for them, we (have) yet to see,” said Nufam president Ismail Nasaruddin.

He said Nufam needed to study how other airlines handled voluntary separation schemes.

Nufam, he said, would scrutinise the key points of the restructuring process to ensure the welfare of MAS staff.

Meanwhile, local and foreign travellers are positive over news of the MAS restructuring plan, with many saying they believe it would improve the company’s performance.

Frequent traveller and engineer Raymond Cheng, 25, said MAS remained his first choice.

“One thing I would like to see improve is the food. I hope it will be better,” he said at the KL International Airport yesterday.

Accountant Shmma Suresh, 29, and her husband K. Hareshkumar, 35, who were heading to Singapore, also lauded the move.

“We have always been proud of our national carrier as the quality of its staff is exceptional.

“We hope that the changes won’t affect performance,” said Shmma.

Swiss traveller Martin Urwyler, 32, said he had been using MAS for more than 10 years and had no complaints.

“If they restructure the company, we hope the fares will not shoot up,” the logistics manager said.

Business owner Deepa Senghera, 34, hoped MAS would bounce back with the right support, encouragement and management.