SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines unions claim that they have not been consulted over the restructuring process under which about a quarter of the 20,000-strong workforce will be laid off.
“We are concerned about the way it is being done. There has been no consultation or assurances over the fate of the workers,” said National Union of Flights Attendant Malaysia (Nufam) president Ismail Nasaruddin.
It was reported that the Khazanah Nasional Bhd-led restructuring of MAS would result in a smaller airline with only 14,000 employees.
He said the company must justify why it was retrenching workers and provide a detailed explanation.
“We were told that MAS was going to terminate our services, not retrench us.
“If the claims are true, it will be a violation of labour laws. MAS must be transparent in the restructuring process,” said Ismail.
“We were also told that MAS subsidiary companies are making profits.
“We hope workers in MASWings and other subsidiaries will not be affected by the restructuring,” he added.
International Transport Workers Federation secretary-general Tan Sri Zainal Rampak suggested that the top management be retrenched before those in the lower positions.
“The jobs of those at the top level should be reviewed because they cost more to the company,” he said.
MAS Employees Union (Maseu) executive secretary Mohd Jabarullah Abdul Kadir said the union would fight for the rights of the workers when the letters were given out.
“The rights of employees must be considered as they are the main contributors to MAS’ progress over the years.
“We will take the next step after getting a clearer picture from MAS employees,” he said.
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