Malaysia’s former transport minister has warned that a stand-off between ailing national carrier Malaysia Airlines and unions representing some 20,000 workers will only hasten its downfall.
Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat hoped that the MAS unions would understand that the airline, which is expecting another year of heavy losses, was currently going through a “crucial moment”.
In a local interview, he said: “But certainly, as a mature labour union, we are hopeful that the unionists should have the larger picture in mind. They should realise that we have indeed come to a crucial moment.
“Mere grouses of the unions should be addressed separately and we need to draw a line clearly here,” Ong added, warninging that any strike by disgruntled staff could hasten the company’s downfall.
The MAS Employees Union (Maseu) picketed the airline’s office in Subang following its annual meeting last week to demand the resignation of top officials at the airline.
The los-making carrier is still reeling from the effects of the missing flight MH370 in March and is expected to announce sweeping changes in the wake of concerns over its future.
MAS chief executive officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya is expected to detail restructuring plans involving “a total review of the fleet, network, costs, employees and work processes” in the next few weeks.