Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) advises its staff against being influenced by certain quarters claiming to champion their rights following the distribution of the termination letters to

its staff.

MAS said in a statement issued in Kuala Lumpur today that the restructuring of the company had always been guided by the principles of fairness, transparency and compassion.

"Legal requirements defined by employment regulations in all jurisdictions in which MAS operates have also been strictly adhered to.

"An employee consultative panel was also set up by MAS to engage all its eight recognised unions on employee related matters," it said.

The airline said ensuring the dignity of its staff was of paramount importance and it reiterated its commitment to provide adequate support to assist exiting employees in their transition from a long career in MAS to mapping new career steps.

On June 1, 2015, MAS began a significant new phase of its restructuring programme in rightsizing its workforce to match the operational requirements of the new airline, Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB).

Smaller workforce to be sustainable

The transformation to create an ongoing, sustainable airline requires a smaller workforce than that currently supported by MAS.

It said a rigorous and robust review and selection process had been executed that has resulted in some 14,000 employees being offered positions at the new airline, while some 6,000 employees will be exiting the company.

"The last day of employment for the exiting employees will be Aug 31, 2015, and during the notice period, any employee who commits disciplinary offence will be subjected to the normal disciplinary process.

"If as a result of this process, the employee is found guilty and subsequently dismissed, the employee will not be entitled to the termination package," MAS added.

- Bernama