Union pledges to ‘vigorously’ defend jobs during £5.7bn easyJet takeover

Aviation workers’ union Unite has pledged to “vigorously” defend jobs in response to the proposed £5.7 billion takeover of easyJet by US private equity firm Apollo. 

Unite has thousands of members working as cabin crew for the budget airline. 

The union is “actively engaging” with legal counsel and will be “exercising its full right” in accordance with the city code on takeover and mergers.

More: Analysis: EasyJet takeover may not be straightforward

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Apollo has made broad statements about growing the business and working with its employees, however these warm words need to be translated into reality.

“Its growth strategy must translate into well-paid, unionised jobs and existing roles must be protected.

"Our members will always be our top priority at easyJet. Unite is committed to vigorously defending their jobs, pay and terms and conditions throughout the takeover and beyond."

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Lindsey Olliver added: “Unite will ensure that employees’ terms and conditions, as well as collective bargaining, are protected in accordance with the relevant legislation and agreements.

“However, the true strength of our members lies in their industrial power. We look forward to working with Apollo to ensure those protections remain in place going forward.”

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. 

More: Analysis: EasyJet takeover may not be straightforward