Source: Channel NewsAsia Author: May Wong 04/03/2009
Subject Concerned: Aircrew Airlines Human Resource
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has proposed its pilots take unpaid leave to help the company cut costs. Airlines around the world are facing falling passenger numbers amid the global financial crisis.
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, President of the Air Line Pilots Association of Singapore (ALPA-S), P James said SIA is suggesting that captains take three days of leave without pay every month, while first officers take four days.
Captain James said his union is still discussing this proposal with SIA. But he said the union wants SIA to provide figures on how much the proposal will affect the company's bottom-line before deciding on whether to accept it.
Captain James added that the pilots' pay structure has already factored in cost-saving measures and said the airline needs to explain why further measures are necessary.
A captain's average basic salary starts at S$10,000 a month, while a first officer's starting pay is S$6,000.
When contacted, SIA declined to comment as discussions with the union are ongoing.