Nufam threatens to stage walkout next month

PETALING JAYA (Nov 22, 2013): The National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (Nufam), which represents 3,500 cabin crew at Malaysia Airlines (MAS), has threatened to stage a walkout next month in protest at the inaction of the national airline's management to lift the suspension order on its president Ismail Nasaruddin, who was suspended from duty on Nov 8, 2013.

In a statement yesterday, Nufam Secretariat said the union members may take vote next week to decide the next course of action which may see MAS cabin crew going on a public protest against the airline.

"(About) 1,000 or more cabin crew union members have voiced their sentiments and may go on a wide public protest against MAS in the coming few weeks of December," it added.

The secretariat said the decision to stage a walkout was made based on MAS management ignoring Nufam's call to withdraw the suspension on Ismail, over a statement which the union had made for MAS CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya to step down for failing to address the plight of its cabin crew over the past few years.

Nufam Secretariat said MAS has also failed to acknowledge the union's recognition as the official union representing MAS cabin crew members, which it believes is to undermine the whole process of this recognition.

It added that the walkout, if it happens, will be the first biggest walkout to be staged by cabin crew union members.

It reiterated its call for the airline's management to work together with Nufam officials to resolve issues affecting cabin crew members.

When contacted by SunBiz yesterday, a MAS spokesperson said: "MAS will not be discussing this matter publicly as this is an internal matter." - The Sun Daily, 22/11/2013, Nufam threatens to stage walkout next month