Pilots have welcomed a bill in the House of Commons designed to end the controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practice being threatened by British Airways and other companies.
The bill introduced by Commons transport committee member and SNP MP Gavin Newlands has cross-party backing.
The British Airline Pilots’ Association has urged the government to “consider how it can support its aim to ban this practice”.
The call came as it emerged that a campaign against the BA ‘fire and rehire’ plan is being taken to the European Commission.
BA plans to lay off about 12,000 staff as it was hit by the Covid-19 travel restrictions.
It has since emerged that the airline has issued a threat of redundancy to all employees as it tries to change their terms and conditions.
Unite, the union representing cabin crew, is taking the issue to the competition directorate in Brussels as part of the commission’s investigation into the €1 billion acquisition by parent company International Airlines Group of Spanish airline Air Europa.
The acquisition has already raised issues because of IAG’s presence in the Spanish market and at Madrid-Barajas airport with its ownership of Iberia and Vueling.
Unite executive officer Sharon Graham said: “Unite is questioning why IAG is seeking to fire and rehire the workforce at BA while ploughing ahead with buying an airline for over €1 billion.
“There are a number of reasons why this merger of Iberia with Air Europa would appear to be anti-competitive.
“The case team at DG Competition have been very open to us sharing our concerns with them. We are now gathering further detailed evidence from a number of expert sources and discussing the takeover with other parties that could be negatively impacted.
“We are confident that we have a strong case and we look forward to officially presenting all our evidence when Phase I of the investigation begins.”
Balpa general secretary Brian Strutton said: “It is absolutely right that this practice of essentially legalised blackmail should be outlawed in the UK and we welcome Gavin Newlands’ work on this.
“We’ve heard warm words from government ministers and even the prime minister on the situation in BA – here is some action they could take.”
An IAG spokesman declined to comment The Guardian.
But he added what he called “facts for guidance”, noting that “Iberia – not IAG – signed the contract with Air Europa last year, before the Covid-19 outbreak.
“As the pandemic hit after signing a contract, Iberia is analysing next steps. Acquisition is a normal part of our business. For example, British Airways bought BMI in 2012.
“The agreement is currently under review by the competition authorities.”