Since the shocking outbreak of the pandemic disease across the world, several measures have been put in place by governments in different countries to curb the spread of the virus. One of these measures includes the closing of borders. This has left a negative impact on global travel. Several airlines including the British Airways are affected by this outbreak. In line with this, British Airways is looking to shed 12,000 jobs from its 42,000 workforces.
According to the International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, it is imperative to impose a “restructuring and redundancy program” till global travel kicks again and the demand for it returns to 2019 level. IAG in a statement on 28 April made known that although the proposal will be put through consultation, the chances that thousands of British Airways employees would be affected can’t be ruled out.
This may lead to the dismissal of about 12,000 of them. International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) made known that it would take time for global air travel to return to the pre-virus level. Alex Cruz the British Airways Chief executive made known to their employees in a letter, the bad situation of the aviation industry and how actions must be taken. According to Cruz, British Airways is a strong well-managed airline with more than a hundred years of travel history. The Airline has encountered several crises and has prevailed. This also won’t be an exemption despite the government not being able to offer assistance.
As gathered, the airline granted 23,000 workers leave of absence. About 16,000 and 4,500 cabin crew and pilots respectively. The Pilots Union, Balpa who happen to be stunned by news disclosed that they would fight every job cut by the Airline. Brian Strutton the Union’s general secretary disclosed. International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), disclosed the effect of the shocking outbreak of the virus on group revenues.
In January, February, and March 2020, revenues dropped to 13% to €4.6bn (£4bn) with a forecast that things may get more terrible. Airlines globally now struggle to thrive and survive. In the United Kingdom, EasyJet dismissed for two months 4000 of its cabin crew based in the UK. Qantas Airline is an Australia airline that puts 20,000 of its employees on leave. Air Canada also did the same with 15,200 employees. Norwegian Air disclosed that it could run short of cash in the middle of May. American Airlines also has about 4800 pilots who want to take unpaid short-term leave and 700 employees requesting early retirements.
