Union Proposes Part-Time Work and Rehiring Guarantees for airBaltic Staff Facing Layoffs

The Latvian Aviation Union (LAA) has submitted two written proposals to airBaltic, Latvia's national airline, aimed at softening planned job cuts. Under its downsizing plan, the carrier could lay off 500 to 700 employees, and consultations with unions on the matter are under way.

What the union proposes

The first proposal offers a voluntary 85% working time option for all pilots and flight attendants at every base, leaving existing part-time arrangements unchanged. It also includes an additional voluntary 50% option and other measures.

The second is a legally binding agreement on rehiring. It would give every affected employee, regardless of how their employment ended, a written offer to return before any external hiring takes place. The proposal is based on the practice of other European airlines.

The union claims that, in the company's summary of crew consultations, various benefits are reserved for employees who leave by mutual agreement or on their own initiative, and that rehiring priority applies only to those who sign a mutual agreement. Employees given notice by the employer are said to be excluded. LAA board chair Dace Kavasa says all employees are selected by the same criteria and lose their jobs for the same reason. In her view, tying social guarantees to giving up dismissal protection amounts to pressure presented as a voluntary choice.

The union is demanding written confirmation that consultations on pilots and flight attendants will continue, the legally required information on employees and the selection methodology, and a written justification of any restrictions said to stem from the "Chapter 11" process. It also wants written replies to both proposals and consultations resumed on 15 October.

Company plans

airBaltic currently employs about 3,000 people, so roughly 20% of staff could be affected. Positions at bases in Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn may be hit. The exact number has not been set. New organisational structures are to be defined by mid-October. The State Employment Agency has been informed of the collective redundancy and will offer consultations and career support.

Last year the group's turnover rose 4.2% to €779.344 million, with losses of €44.337 million. The Latvian state owns 88.37% of shares and Lufthansa 10%.