MAS moves to cut staff costs
KUALA LUMPUR – – Malaysian Airlines has come up with a novel way of reducing its costs by encouraging employees to take 12 months leave or work part-time.
MAS, like many other airlines, is struggling to contain its costs in the face of surging fuel bills.
MAS said staff could apply for leave for up to 12 months or work part-time.
Employees have a choice between a Voluntary Leave Programme (VLP) and a Part Time — 50% Programme (50% PT programme).
Two options are available under the VLP, which is open to Malaysian-based permanent staff, except technical crew.
Option one allows employees to take a monthly allowance amounting to 20% of the last drawn basic salary or RM500, whichever is higher. The staff will also enjoy existing medical and dental benefits.
Option 2 allows the employee to enjoy the annual privilege travel, concessional travel and medical benefits. However, there is no monthly allowance. “Employees can take the leave and return as a full-time employees in either six or 12 months,†aid an MAS spokesman.
Under the 50% PT option, which is open to Malaysian-based permanent staff who are not on shift duties, employees will be allowed to work part-time with their work schedule halved.
Accordingly, their basic salary will also be halved.
MAS said with the approval from their immediate superior, employees could opt to work alternate weeks, work in either morning or afternoon sessions or alternate between two and three days a week.
The closing date for submission for the two programmes is October 1, 2008.
“We want to keep our skilled employees. As such, we are offering a voluntary programme, where employees now have an opportunity to take time off to explore new opportunities, learn new skills, and yet have the assurance of having a job to return to,†said MAS executive director and chief financial officer, Tengku Azmil Zahruddin.
Source: The Edge
Ian Jarrett
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