<p>News of potential layoffs among any workforce – even if only intended as temporary – is always filled with emotion and anxiety. It is therefore encouraging that when a company finds external forces beyond its control pushing it towards such a position, a positive approach is taken to minimise the effect on employees.</p>
<p>Norwegian has found itself in that unenviable position of external forces affecting its staff. A company spokesman explains that as some of its Boeing 787s have been grounded due to “well documented Rolls-Royce Trent engine issues”, it has had to wet-lease four aircraft during the summer. As these aircraft are being wet-leased, it means that crew from the lessor will be used, not those from Norwegian.</p>
<p><img alt="787 norwegian" src="/getasset/74b819c9-d731-4153-8b58-f9cd0c7c9589/" /></p>
<p>The spokesman emphasises that this is a temporary measure. “We have had to wet-lease until the end of the summer season (October 2019) but that will not be the case into the winter season,” he says.</p>
<p>“Redundancies are purely a last resort, so we are not looking for a number. In fact, we hope to have none since we are discussing other alternatives such as part-time and unpaid leave,” he says. Career breaks for those who so choose is also an option under consideration.</p>
<p>Norwegian has therefore been having discussions – which it describes as “positive” – with pilots and the unions regarding the options available.</p>
<p>The type of situation, however, could pose some questions for any operator finding themselves in such circumstances. If pilots have to be laid off temporarily and thus have a period with no income, should they be allowed to fly for other carriers – in essence lease themselves out – during the period until the employer needs them back? If they are, how would it be negotiated? What might the dangers be of the “troubled” employer losing staff permanently?</p>
<p>While this may not apply in Norwegian’s current situation, especially as its aim is to have no redundancies, it is likely to be something that employers and employment agencies might consider if similar scenarios arise in future.</p>
<p>Norwegian has found itself in that unenviable position of external forces affecting its staff. A company spokesman explains that as some of its Boeing 787s have been grounded due to “well documented Rolls-Royce Trent engine issues”, it has had to wet-lease four aircraft during the summer. As these aircraft are being wet-leased, it means that crew from the lessor will be used, not those from Norwegian.</p>
<p><img alt="787 norwegian" src="/getasset/74b819c9-d731-4153-8b58-f9cd0c7c9589/" /></p>
<p>The spokesman emphasises that this is a temporary measure. “We have had to wet-lease until the end of the summer season (October 2019) but that will not be the case into the winter season,” he says.</p>
<p>“Redundancies are purely a last resort, so we are not looking for a number. In fact, we hope to have none since we are discussing other alternatives such as part-time and unpaid leave,” he says. Career breaks for those who so choose is also an option under consideration.</p>
<p>Norwegian has therefore been having discussions – which it describes as “positive” – with pilots and the unions regarding the options available.</p>
<p>The type of situation, however, could pose some questions for any operator finding themselves in such circumstances. If pilots have to be laid off temporarily and thus have a period with no income, should they be allowed to fly for other carriers – in essence lease themselves out – during the period until the employer needs them back? If they are, how would it be negotiated? What might the dangers be of the “troubled” employer losing staff permanently?</p>
<p>While this may not apply in Norwegian’s current situation, especially as its aim is to have no redundancies, it is likely to be something that employers and employment agencies might consider if similar scenarios arise in future.</p>