Retrenchments commence at SIA; airline and pilots union still in talks

ALPA-S wants to avoid a potential double whammy where pilots accept deeper pay cuts but end up facing further lay-offs down the line

Nisha Ramchandani

Published Mon, Sep 14, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Singapore Airlines

Singapore

SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) and the pilots union remain in talks over lay-offs as the parent airline began its retrenchment exercise on Monday.

Retrenchments have started for SIA and SilkAir cabin crew - a process expected to take place over the course of this week - while 50-60 pilots on employment passes were also understood to have been let go. Nearly 1,000 cabin crew from the two airlines will be affected in all.

Meanwhile, the flag carrier is still in talks with the Air Line Pilots Association - Singapore (ALPA-S), The Business Times understands. According to sources, the talks revolve around the number of retrenchments.

In response to queries from BT, a spokesperson for SIA said: "Singapore Airlines is in a dialogue with ALPA-S and is committed to reaching an agreement with them as soon as possible." The spokesperson added t…