THE National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (Nufam) urged Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to intervene in Malindo Air Sdn Bhd’s decision to retrench its staff.
Speaking to FocusM, Nufam secretariat said they have already sent a letter to the PM, claiming Malindo’s decision was unfair and it would increase unemployment in the market.
“Malindo’s management said they will only pay retrenchment benefits after three months. The question is, why retrench if you’re not prepared for it?” they asked.
Last week, Malindo’s announced it would retrench about 2,000 of its workforce due the downturn in the airline industry, ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two days ago, DAP MP P Kasthuriraani urged the Human Resources Ministry to clarify why Malindo was laying off staff when the Government had granted RM 3mil for its survival.
During Minister’s Question Time (MQT) in the Dewan Rakyat, she pointed out that those who were retrenched were mainly ground staff who earned low wages, and called for information on how the funds were used.
“According to a statement from Nufam, Malindo received at least RM3 mil to pay their staff salaries, including for their ground staff. However, the retrenchment of workers began starting March this year. Their wages were unpaid for months and a 24-hour notice was given in their retrenchment letters.
“I heard your replies earlier and it seems that there are a lot of good initiatives laid out by the Government to help them. One of their grouses is being put on a list and returning to work once the COVID19 situation settles down. However, until now, I have not heard whether they would be placed on the KIV list,” she was reported saying by Malay Mail Online.
Nufam secretariat also queried Malindo on how the latter spent the RM 3 mil granted by the Government.
They added that Malindo only gave the staff affected one day notice before ending their services.
“When AirAsia decided to cut staff, they gave one month notice. However, Malindo only gave its staff one day,” they said.
Nufam secretariat added the Labour Department must play its role and look into the matter as people’s livelihoods are at stake.
“From what we know, Malindo said they will only pay their staff retrenchment benefits after three months. However, we understand that companies are not allowed to do that.
“Did Malindo get Labour Department’s approval before retrenching staff? We have urged those retrenched to seek remedy with the regulatory body,” they said.
On how many have approached Nufam, the latter said a few had come so far and the numbers would increase in days to come.
“They are still in shock and confused. They will come after the confusion is over,” they said.
On the Employment Insurance System (EIS), Nufam said the scheme only applies for permanent workers.
“Contractual staff, who do not get an extension, is not covered under the scheme. Many don’t know this.
“Even for permanent staff, it only covers them for six months. How are they to get jobs during this difficult times?” asked Nufam. – Nov 5, 2020
