Pilots union Balpa has written to easyJet to raise concerns over the airline’s approach to dealing with the number of its staff calling in sick, according to reports.
The Financial Times said Balpa had accused the airline of “corporate bullying” and called on it to restore previously positive relations, after an email warned pilots and crew of potential “formal action” over absences.
The airline said it was clear staff should not come to work if sick, but said it was concerned over late-notice absences and those returning when not properly rested.
An email seen by the FT said absence levels were “not sustainable” and said triggers for formal action could be accelerated where absence “continues to be poor”.
Sick leave relating to Covid in particular was cited by easyJet boss Johan Lundgren recently as the main reason for a string of flight cancellations and schedule changes.
Balpa said the “counterproductive” email “completely decimated any residual goodwill among your workforce in one fell swoop”.
Reiterating its policy that staff should not work if unwell, easyJet said: “We value the skills and professionalism of our pilots and crew… The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority.”