Hundreds of Norwegian Air pilots have been awarded 80 days’ worth of pay when they lost their jobs as a result of the carrier’s UK arm (Norwegian Air Resources UK) going into administration last year.
The airline restructured last year, and axed its low-cost long-haul routes as a result. More than 1,000 pilots lost their jobs as the carrier reduced its fleet from 156 to 51 aircraft.
Pilots union Balpa, which led the legal challenge for its members based at Gatwick, claimed that NAR UK failed to follow a collective consultation process when the airline entered administration.
An employment tribunal concluded that NAR UK failed to consult with the trade union, in breach of several sections of the relevant legislation
Balpa said the result of the employment tribunal “highlights the importance of good industrial relations” and is “a valuable win for its members and the trade union movement”.
National officer Terry Brandon said: “This will come as very welcome news to our ex-Norwegian Air Resources UK long-haul members who were thrown into real difficulty when they were dismissed by the company.
“The financial reward may, in reality, be limited by the scope of the legislation but it is important that our members have been heard and their plight recognised.
“Many of the pilots affected, over 250 in fact, are still unemployed as recruitment has been halted due to the pandemic. This result is important to them.
“It sends the message to employers that they must follow the collective consultation process properly and that Balpa will do all it can to support members.”