Messaggio ai colleghi di Norwegian (delegati sindacali Irlanda).
Dear Colleagues
A historic meeting was held today in Oslo between the Chairs of all the Unions, both Flight crew and Cabin crew, and senior management from Head Office in Fornebu. This meeting was scheduled in order to discuss the Focus2019 initiative and how we can all contribute to the effort to streamline and improve efficiency within the Norwegian Group.
An initial presentation was provided by our CFO, Geir Karlson, who provided an update on the current financial situation of the Company. Due to the commercial sensitivity of the information I am unable to provide specific details other than to say that the situation could be better. Many options are being actively pursued in order to increase the liquidity of the Company.
This was followed by a presentation by the Commercial department who went into the finer details of their role within the Company and provided an outline of the changes to the production across the network for the summer schedule. As most of you will have heard by now this included the information that there will be a reduction in the short-haul capacity (including MAX production) of 11 aircraft for the year. This has implications for bases in Spain, Italy and the U.S.A. Base bidding should open next week whereby all crew may bid for opportunities in both short-haul and long-haul bases in the hope that redundancies can be avoided.
Furthermore, it is with much regret that I must also inform you at this time that the plan also includes a reduction in the MAX production out of Dublin from the 6 aircraft which will operate the summer schedule (commencing on 31stMarch) down to 1 (or maybe 2) aircraft as of 15th September 2019. This reduction will apply not only to the number of aircraft based in Dublin but also to both the Flight crew & Cabin crew complement.
Consequently, in June the base bidding will open and Dublin based crew will be invited to bid for a position on either the long-haul fleet or an alternative short-haul base (IF any vacancies exist at this time).
In respect of Focus2019 all departments and areas of operation in the Company are under review. Many changes are expected including the consolidation of the AOC structure. The areas highlighted for us as flight crew included:
Crew meals (removal)
Breakfast in hotels (removal)
City centre Hotels (removal)
No shows at hotels
Sick leave (some bases are running at 30%!)
Permanent fees (e.g. TRI/TRE allowances)
Allowances in general
Smaller bases on variable rosters
In addition, there was a proposal that all basic salaries be reduced as follows:
Either - Flight crew by 7% and Cabin crew by 4% ; Or – Flight crew & Cabin crew by 5.8%
I fully appreciate that this news will come as a shock to many of you, as it did to me. However, it is important not to go into panic mode at this time and instead to await further developments. It is intended that the Company Council will commence further talks with the Company about these serious issues as they apply to the Dublin base over the next few days. We shall keep you fully informed of the progress of these discussions.
In the meantime, I would ask you to treat this information as confidential and refrain from promulgating outside of the Company.
If you have any questions regarding the above then please send them to me by replying to this Email and I will collate and release an FAQ sheet with clarifications.
Best regards
(Redacted)
(Title)
IALPA Norwegian Company Council