Alitalia flights grounded as more than 1,000 workers fall ill
A survey revealed this week that one third of British employees think nothing of “pulling a sickie” – but that is nothing compared to events at the Italian flag-carrier yesterday.
More than 1,000 of the carrier’s 2,000 flight attendants are reported to have called in sick yesterday, leading to the cancellation of some 110 domestic and European flights. The problem appears to arise from plans by the airline to cut the number of cabin crew on domestic services from four to three; the proposal is clearly a cost cutting measure but is proving unpopular with unions.
The airline, like many around the world, is suffering from reduced passenger numbers because of fears over terrorism and the effects of the SARS virus – and has publicly stated that it will have to drastically cut costs to survive. Airline officials are due to meet union representatives and politicians tomorrow.
