MYAirline staff stuck in limbo over unpaid wages

PETALING JAYA: It’s halfway into October but the impacted employees of the suspended MYAirline are in a quandary over their unpaid salaries for September.

They have not been suspended or sacked, but they have been without wages for more than a month.

They also cannot seek the help of the Social Security Organisation’s (Socso) employment insurance system (EIS) because it is only for those whose employment has been terminated.

“The management informed us that the September salary will be paid as soon as possible but there is no assurance about October,” said one employee who wanted to be known as Ju.

She said the sudden turn of events has caused her sleepless nights.

The 39-year-old, who started working with the company this year, said employees had been getting their salaries late since a couple of months back but there had been no mention about operations being suspended.

“(On Oct 12), we received an email at around 6am saying our operations have been suspended and the office is closed. We were clueless the whole day.

“Earlier, the management had, through a townhall meeting, told the staff about some financial difficulties but there was no hint about suspending operation.

“It caught us by surprise,” she said, adding that she had gone to Socso but was told no claims could be made under EIS unless employees are terminated.

Ju added that the company did however offer counseling services for the employees.

She added that she still holds out hope that the company will be able to make a comeback.

“The MYAirline work culture is very positive and supportive.

“Our teammates work very hard, they are very capable, support each other and we really enjoy our work.

“Many customers on social media have said they were satisfied with the service before. I believe that was because of the positive environment.

“I hope to still continue working here. But so far, there is no light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

The Labour Department, meanwhile, confirmed that it has received complaints from MYAirline staff and called the company management for a meeting yesterday.