MAS staff against move to form new airline

SUBANG JAYA: Three workers’ unions within Malaysia Airlines claim that over 80% of MAS staff will move over to the new airline Sapphire that is to be set up under the new MAS-AirAsia deal. Malaysian Airlines System Employees’ Union (Maseu) is worried that the move could affect the strength of the unions within the national carrier.

It was reported that Sapphire would take over regional jet operations from MAS and Firefly. “The affected staff could lose their seniority as well as other benefits tied to their length of service with MAS. Maseu will also be weakened by this transfer,” Ab Malek told a press conference yesterday. He said there was no need for another airline as MAS could have two sections taking care of international and domestic flights.

“MAS is the oldest airline in Malay sia. There is no reason for not making a lasting profit,” Ab Malek said, adding that the Government should revamp the entire management. Maseu, Airline Workers Union of Sarawak and Air Transport Workers Union of Sabah announced that they would picket if Sapphire was established.

-thestar online.