XL failure condemned

Cheaperholidays can reveal that, the UK’s biggest trade union Unite has attacked the way XL staff were treated..

Unite represents hundreds of the 1,700 employees at XL who are expected to lose their jobs.

It will start pursuing the bankrupt company for redundancy payments for its members.

Unite said it would also be seeking urgent discussions with company officials on the future for XL employees.

National officer Brian Boyd said: “Airlines that are struggling in the present climate are treating their workforce and the trade unions representing them with contempt.

“As recently as this week, representatives from Unite were discussing a wage claim with XL.

“It is appalling that employees have been left to hear of their fate through the media. Given the difficulties that aviation workers are facing today to hide the plight of the business from its employees is a disgrace.

“Unite understand the difficult operating conditions many airlines find themselves in, particularly with fuel running at US$100 a barrel, and the ever increasing competition for passengers.”