April 3rd: Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, which represents over 450 workers at regional airline Flybe is seeking an urgent, high level meeting with the company’s management to minimise job losses at Flybe and provide reassurances about the company’s overall health after a clutch of flights were today (3 April) cancelled for ‘operational reasons’.

Consultation talks are due to begin next week (10 April) on proposals by Flybe to place at risk of redundancy 38 pilots and 52 cabin crew. The redundancies are linked to Flybe’s proposals to close both the Cardiff and Doncaster airbases from 1 October 2019.

Unite Regional officer for the workforce George Brash said: “Unite is seeking urgent meetings with the senior management at Flybe on both a national and regional basis in order to acquire the full facts about the company’s current difficulties and secure assurances over jobs.

“Workers at Belfast City Airport are justifiably concerned about their jobs and future employment, after the company cancelled a number of flights for ‘operational reasons’. Unite represents more than sixty FlyBe workers in Northern Ireland – we will be seeking answers and assurances for these members. 

“We will also be seeking assurances as to the future plans for the company. Whatever comes Unite will robustly defend our members’ jobs and interests”.