needs to implement an urgent
comprehensive financial package to support the aviation industry,
otherwise tens of thousands of jobs will be at risk, Unite,
Britain and Ireland’s largest union, said today (Monday 16
March).
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey has called for a meeting
with the prime minister to discuss the industry's call for an
emergency summit and what support it needs due to the adverse
impact of the coronavirus on air travel across the globe.
Unite, alongside sister aviation unions across Europe, has
devised a four point plan, which the government should adopt to
ensure the whole industry survives.
In his letter to the prime minister, Unite general secretary Len
McCluskey said: “The industry has been rocked by the onset of
Covid-19, with flight cancellations and the grounding of flights
severely impacting on airports and the wider supply chains.
“We must raise serious concerns at the highest levels of
government regarding this imminent crisis. If you do not take
urgent action to support the aviation industry in the UK, there
is absolute certainty that tens of thousands of jobs will be put
at risk, and the industry will be unable to resume effectively
once this health crisis has passed.
“It is essential that the government listens to and works with
unions, airlines, airports and other key stakeholders in
aviation, to ensure that we take a managed approach throughout
this period of uncertainty, and provide immediate support for the
whole sector, in order to help it survive this pandemic.
“Without the government’s help, the aviation industry could
plunge into an unprecedented crisis, with thousands of jobs under
threat. Furthermore, if left unchecked, the long-term damage to
the industry and infrastructure could have enormous effects on
the economy.
“We urge you to release government funding immediately, so the
industry, and the jobs within it, can survive what will
effectively be a period of dormancy during the next difficult
period.”
The four-point plan that Unite wants ministers to implement
is:
- The government to make contributions to cover workers’ pay to
ensure that the UK's aviation infrastructure remains intact, and
the consideration of taking a commensurate financial stake in
airlines and airports to help ensure their survival.
- The extension of loans to airlines and airports and other
aviation companies to enable them to ease the pressure of the
immediate pay back of loans and to assist in the retention of
staff and the preservation of routes.
- A delay in the payment of taxes and duties that airlines are
obliged to pay including a temporary suspension or reduction in
Air Passenger Duty (APD)
- Government to support routes through subsidies under public
service. obligation rules, which are tied to long-term
environmental commitments as part of an integrated sustainable
transport network.Such assistance must apply to the whole
aviation industry including airlines, airports (national and
regional) and its supply chain.
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey added: “Unite is working
with airlines, airports and the supply chain, to preserve jobs
and companies for the future and it is essential that the
government plays its part. Other European countries including
France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands are already working on
measures to support their aviation industries. It is only right
that the UK does not get left behind.
“There is no doubt that the aviation industry will be forced in
some areas to enter a period of dormancy. You, prime minister,
have a choice to either support it, and all those that depend on
it, through this period, or risk it facing serious problems that
it may be unable to overcome.
“I would like to request a meeting at your earliest convenience,
and also to draw your attention to the industry's call for an
emergency summit. As the union that represents most of the staff
in the aviation sector, Unite should be invited to any such
summit, and all other relevant meetings on this issue. As such a
key stakeholder it is vital that we have a seat at the table.”
Unite represents tens of thousands of workers throughout the
entire aviation industry. Unite’s membership spans all major
airlines, airports and ground handlers and their staff, as well
those who work in supply chains. Unite is the union that
represents most of the staff in this sector.
