SIA begins employee retrenchments

All affected staff will receive their salaries in lieu of their notice period.

Singapore Airlines has begun retrenching some employees, a statement read as the airline deals with the effects of the pandemic to the economy and the tourism industry.

The process will likely continue over the next few days due to the number of affected cabin crew, a spokesperson told Singapore Business Review.

The terms of the release are in line with the collective agreements with its unions, a spokesperson said, and were explained individually to each affected staff. Those who are currently overseas are being informed personally via telephone calls or teleconferencing.

Release terms include all affected staff will receive their salaries in lieu of their notice period, and those with more than two years of service will be granted additional payout pegged to years of service.

“We will support any staff who are overseas and need to return to Singapore to settle their affairs. Singapore-based staff will also be given time to settle their affairs, and given assistance to return to their home countries if necessary,” the spokesperson said.

SIA had also arranged for on-site counsellors and medical staff, and granted transportation for employees to and from their homes. Union members were also present to provide support, the airline said.

Furthermore, the airline has established a portal which lists job vacancies in external firms.