The union representing Easyjet pilots in the UK has warned its member that they are “on the frontline for the very soul of the airline” as it accuses Easyjet of not acting in good faith.
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) gave the warning to members in a letter from Easyjet National Officer, Terry Brandon.
Mr Brandon said, “Easyjet’s approach so far was highly questionable and, we believe, lacking in good faith.”
He also placed the blame of the airline’s behaviour towards staff firmly on the shoulders of ex-Ryanair COO Peter Bellew saying “It would appear not to be a coincidence that easyJet’s behaviour as a business has been on a downward spiral ever since the arrival of the COO, Peter Bellew, from Ryanair earlier this year. Dame Carolyn McCall once said that easyJet would never treat its people like Ryanair – sadly, this commitment now also seems to have departed.”
In the letter Mr Brandon says that BALPA will shortly be conducting a survey to establish whether members have any confidence in the Easyjet management.
In closing the letter told members that “The fight may eventually become an industrial battle and we encourage members to steel themselves for this possibility.”
Easyjet plans to cut several UK bases and cut over 700 pilot jobs in the UK.