SOMETHING FISHY IN MAS? We will not be ignored - cabin crew union

PETALING JAYA : The National Union of Flight Attendantsof Malaysia (Nufam), as the legitimate union body for flight attendants/cabin crew, is currently in the process of removing the cabin crew who are members of the Malaysian Airline System Employee Union (Maseu).

In response to emailed queries to Nufam, its spokesperson told SunBiz that the process is a legitimate one following a secret ballot which showed than 62.73% of cabin crew voted in favour of representation by Nufam.

"The Ministry of Human Resource has already issued a directive to MAS to recognise and accept Nufam as the legitimate body to represent MAS cabin crew.The letter is a directive and cannot be challenged by MAS," the spokesperson said.

Nufam was referring to a letter dated Aug 5, 2013 which is signed off by the Human Resource Minister Datuk Richard Riot Anak Jaem, directing MAS to recognise that the cabin crew in the airline are represented by Nufam since March 30, 2012.

"Unless there are two same unions representing the same profession and scope, then it becomes issue.But since the secret ballot was proven with over 62% support, then with the powers vested under the Trade Union Act and office, (Nufam) can remove the entire members of Maseu who are cabin crew," it said.

Some 1,700 cabin crew are believed to be members of Maseu. The act of purging Maseu of these members would leave it about 5,000-odd strong, but still the largest employees union in MAS.

Queries sent to MAS were not answered as at press time.

Last week MAS group managing director and CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya told press gathered at an update on the airline's business plan that it had managed to secure the backing of 7 employee union heads. He said issues with Maseu were still being discussed. NO mention however was made of Nufam's support.

According to Nufam, MAS management had not approached the body for the same.

"Nufam was not aware of the discussion and as always, MAS chose to remain that way which reflects very well of our earlier press statements (on how) MAS has never consulted Nufam on policies or matters pertaining to MAS cabin crew.They have boldly ignored the Minister's directive and worst still, have not even invited us to get our opinions," the spokesperson said.

On whether it would throw its support behind MAS management Nufam said, "We have given our views independently to other press statements - under the present management,we are certainly not happy as it has proven how bold MAS can behave towards our Trade Union members."

"We are not against MAS as a company but we are against the manner of how the present management handle the situations and resolve issues."

Throwing an ultimatum at MAS management Nufam said it urges them to either listen or face worst scenarios from the National Union.

"MAS has to engage talks with the National Union and Nufam will continue to pressure them to sit and talk with us," he added.

- thesundaily.my