Tui Airways pilots on sick leave have reportedly instigated a lawsuit against the firm over changes to sick pay and pension benefits.
Eight employees are suing the company, claiming the carrier “concealed the true nature of the changes” included in a new sick pay plan, which was approved by staff in August 2021.
Up to 50 more pilots could be in the same situation.
Pilots on long-term sick leave argued that their salaries were cut significantly, by almost 50% in some cases, The Sunday Times reported.
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They also pointed out changes to the pension benefits’ scheme as well as the abolition of an automatic 5% increase in salary.
According to the claim lodged in the High Court in London, pilots and their union Balpa alleged they were not given sufficient information on the difference between the old and new plan when negotiations took place last year.
A spokesperson for Tui told the newspaper: “Tui Airways are disappointed by the claim made by our valued colleagues.
“We worked closely with their trade union to mutually agree changes which were implemented following a lawful consultation process.
“Those changes were driven by the insurance market and not as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As this is subject to ongoing legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
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