Second union seeks jobs reassurances as part of £5.7bn easyJet takeover

A second union has sought assurances over jobs as part of the proposed £5.7 billion takeover of easyJet by US private equity firm Apollo.

 

Prospect called for “greater transparency” about the long-term strategy, the impact of the proposed financing structure, and how decisions affecting jobs, operations and terms and conditions will be made in future.

 

The intervention followed Unite pledging to “vigorously” defend jobs at the budget carrier due to the planned acquisition.

 

More: Analysis: EasyJet takeover may not be straightforward

 

EasyJet board accepts US investment fund Apollo’s takeover bid

 

Prospect described its members a playing a “critical role in the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the airline” and have been instrumental in its development. 

 

“Their interests must be at the heart of this takeover process,” the union declared.

 

A statement added: “With any takeover of this kind there is always concern that a successful business may be acquired simply in order to be broken up and sold off. This must not be allowed to happen to easyJet, and government and regulators should be seeking firm commitments from Apollo that they intend to build on easyJet’s successful business model.

 

“The commitments currently offered on employment, while welcome, are limited to a 12‑month period and are expressed as intentions rather than binding undertakings. 

 

“Prospect is calling for stronger and longer-term commitments to employment security, protection for collective bargaining arrangements and meaningful engagement with recognised trade unions throughout the period of ownership.”

 

The union pointed out that it has “worked constructively” with easyJet over many years to develop a positive industrial relations framework that has delivered improvements in pay, terms and conditions for its members. 

 

“As part of this acquisition process, Prospect is seeking clear assurances that existing collective bargaining arrangements will be protected, that the progress achieved through partnership working will not be undermined, and that employees will continue to benefit from further improvements in their pay, terms and conditions in the future,” the statement added.

 

“Prospect also believes that employees and their recognised trade unions should be fully consulted on any significant organisational, operational or structural changes arising from the acquisition. 

 

“The long-term success of easyJet will depend upon retaining the trust, expertise and commitment of the workforce whose skills and professionalism have helped build the airline’s reputation and success.

 

“The message from Prospect is simple: if employees are expected to shoulder the risks associated with this transaction, they must receive meaningful protections and a clear voice in shaping the future of the business. 

 

“Employee confidence in the acquisition will depend on greater transparency, stronger job security commitments and genuine engagement with the workforce and their representatives.”

 

Apollo has expressed support for easyJet’s existing strategy also suggesting that “additional investment and focus can support further growth across revenue management, ancillary revenues, loyalty and network optimisation, as well as the pursuit of new partnership and distribution opportunities”, while continuing to scale easyJet holidays. 

 

Travel Weekly has approached easyJet for comment.