Anger, confusion and fury among unions over Flybe ‘betrayal’

Unions have expressed fury and disappointment that the Government allowed Flybe to fail.

Pilots union BALPA accused other airlines of going ‘out of their way to push Flybe over the brink’, describing the news Flybe has been put into administration as ‘sickening’.

The GMB union warned that, in addition to Flybe’s 2,400 staff, the collapse threatened 1,400 jobs in the supply chain and put the future of regional airports at risk.

The Unite union said it was ‘outrageous’ the Government had not learned lessons from the collapse of Thomas Cook.

On Wednesday, Unite called on the Government not to abandon communities served by Flybe, amid reports the airline said it would not survive until the end of the month unless it got a cash handout.

Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland warned that the Government would be ‘wholly negligent to allow Flybe to fall into administration, rather than demonstrating it has learned the lessons from Monarch and Thomas Cook, and implementing the airline insolvency review’.

Following confirmation Flybe had fallen into administration Unite national officer Oliver Richardson said: "Unite members and the entire staff at Flybe, will be feeling angry and confused about how and why the airline has been allowed to collapse.
 
"It is simply outrageous that the government has not learned the lessons following Monarch and Thomas Cook’s collapses, the much promised airline insolvency review has still not materialised.
 
"While other European countries are able to introduce measures to keep airlines flying when they enter administration, the UK remains unable or unwilling to do so.

"The UK economy is highly dependent on a viable and supported regional airline and airport network.  For central government not to support and nurture this, especially as we deal with the twin uncertainties of Covid-19 virus and Brexit, is unhelpful and irresponsible.
 
"Other major airlines have repeatedly said that they are ready and willing to organise flights on Flybe’s routes and for the sake of the passengers and communities that the airline served, the government must ensure that those commitments become reality.
 
"Unite will be providing advice and assistance to our members to help them at this highly difficult time."

BALPA General Secretary Brian Strutton said: "A year ago Flybe was taken over by new owners with promises of funding for a bright future. 

"Six weeks ago, when the ownership consortium lost confidence the Government promised a rescue package, apparently at that time recognising the value of Flybe to the regional economy of the UK. 

"Throughout, pilots, cabin crew and ground staff have done their jobs brilliantly, while behind the scenes the owners and, sadly, Government connived to walk away. 

"Flybe staff will feel disgusted at this betrayal and these broken promises.

"What happened to shareholders’ promises of a bright future as ‘Virgin Connect’? 

"What happened to the Government rescue deal? 

"It’s frankly sickening that other airlines have gone out of their way to push Flybe over the brink, putting 2,000 people out of work. How are staff going to find new jobs in the current climate?

"BALPA will be supporting the pilots in coming to terms with this situation and helping them with their rights and entitlements as well as training them for alternative jobs."

The Virgin-led consortium said coronavirus was the last straw for the failing airline.