Were fighting hard to preserve jobs and protect pay after COVID-19 By Terry Brandon, BALPA National Officer, and John Moore, Head of Industrial Relations I If you have a question youd like to put to Terry or any of our other BALPA experts, email TheLog@balpa.org t is without doubt the coronavirus pandemic has hit aviation hard. The number of those furloughed and pilots who have been put at risk of redundancy is staggering. Too many employers have acted too quickly, with devastating effect. Never has aviation been hit this hard for this long. The financial and emotional toll that has been placed upon on our members is close to breaking point for many. Our reps have been supporting members while dealing with their own circumstances. In addition to exercising influence with the government, DfT and the regulator, BALPA reps and officers are working flat out to mitigate the impact of the crisis. Some employers have looked to use it as an opportunity to review costs and benefits, which is unacceptable. The aviation unions have called upon the government to intervene and work with us to ensure a clear strategy for aviation. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has been extended to the end of October. Until 31st July, furloughed workers will continue under the scheme that provides them with 80% of their current salary, up to 2,500 (although from 1st July flexible furlough is being introduced, meaning employees will be able to work part-time). From 1st August to 31st October, the employer is expected to share the burden of paying salaries. There is also the flexibility of employees being able to work part-time. CJRS money is being paid to employees at the same time as at risk of redundancy letters are being despatched. In our view, this is morally wrong. BALPA will challenge every measure proposed by airlines. We will pressure test every proposal or decision taken by the employer and hold the company accountable. Our Company Council reps are receiving daily advice on matters concerning contractual terms, holiday pay, maternity, health and safety and redundancy legislation as well as many more issues. The focus for every Company Council has been to preserve jobs and protect pay. There have probably been more agreements drawn up over the past two months than in the past two years. Every agreement has been negotiated to the best of our ability to benefit the membership and every BALPA team is fighting hard to protect jobs. Some employers are obviously more robust than others, but airlines using employment agencies, such as those seen in Norwegian and SAS, have been squeezed. Even well-established airlines, such as easyJet, have not been immune and are planning to reduce capacity and staff numbers by up to 30%. During this traumatic time, our Company Council welfare reps and PAG reps have been offering support to members. For those lucky enough to be returning to work, our health and safety reps are preparing for workplace inspections, to ensure that our members can return in as safe an environment as possible. There is no blueprint or model for us to map out what will become the new normal. Some airlines may prosper while others will not be so fortunate. We need to remain strong and organised to ensure that we are able to support each other and prevent any airline exploiting our members during this desperately sad time. INDUSTRIAL ISSUES Know your rights