27 May 2009

Monarch tries to avert strike action

Managers at Monarch Airlines are in discussions with the cabin crew trade union to avoid strike action over the peak period.

The union, Unite, is holding a ballot in July over a pay dispute and is threatening strike action at airports across the UK.

But a Monarch spokesman said: "Given the current economic situation and its impact on the aviation industry, pay increases and additional benefits for employees are unachievable at the present time.

"Monarch senior management continues to work with the cabin crew trade union to resolve this matter as quickly as possible in the interests of its customers and all other employees."

By Bev Fearis

Post your comment

Your Comments (5)

Show Good Leadership

The prospect of a strike during the current economic downturn does not bear thinking about. None of us like the thought of static pay and benefits but we are all having to tighten our belts and tough it out during these unprecendented times. So come on Unite show a united front with Management. Surely it is more important at the moment to protect jobs.

By Steve Blows, Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Any comments from Monarch staff ?

"Monarch faces the prospect of a crippling strike at the height of the holiday season", a quote attributed to Unite national officer for aviation Brian Boyd. This language / tone, whether made by unions, management or staff, is not appropriate or sensible - and to make it a public statement damages the company and its' staff. I would like to believe that Unite only made this comment after very careful consideration and believe that their cause is truly justified. I am neither a union lover or loather, but find the prospect of a strike in the airline industry in 2009 extremely sad for everyone. Take a step back, deep breath everyone, return to the table with fresh minds, take away the threat of a strike for 2009, and see if you all can sort it out. It would be nice to hear what Monarch staff think about this (and yes I will keep an open mind)

By Nick Cooper, Wednesday, May 27, 2009
STRIKE

BE SENSIBLE MONARCH PEOPLE...WE ALL ARE TRYING TO SURVIVE THIS ECONOMIC DOWTURN. Do not throw the arrow which will return against you.!!!!

By aslan sag, Wednesday, May 27, 2009
This is not the time

Monarch Airlines are one of the best independent companies in the market today which actively supports many of the smaller operators. I would ask their staff to consider the long term future as any damage will have a major impact on customers perception. The country is going through a period of mis-trust where the majority of people will not receive any improvement in their pay and conditions, that is if they still have a job by the end of this year. A strike would not only damage Monarch but also the holiday industry as a whole leading to fewer bookings which will have a knock-on effect of causing more companies to go out of business thus causing cut-backs which will effect the staff of all flight companies.

By John Hortop, Wednesday, May 27, 2009
surely this cannot happen

Monarch may be a well run and profitable company, but a damaging strike during one of the hardest recessionary years for an airline would be awful. It would be disastrous for all the hard working Monarch staff as well as the "company". There could only be losers and no winners (except Monarch's competitors) Monarch staff do an excellent job, but I don't think anyone is going to offer a pay rise in 2009 / 2010 in the airline industry. Surely sensible management and union policies should be spent on negotiating how best to avoid job losses in 2009 and 2010.

By Nick Cooper, Wednesday, May 27, 2009