The Cockpit Association demands that German politicians prevent the restructuring of the holiday airline Tuifly “at the expense of the taxpayer”. According to the current plans, against which the union is storming, the fleet is to be reduced to 22 aircraft and 1.000 jobs are to be cut.

The workforce representatives of VC, Verdi and the works council describe the procedure as “economically and politically unsustainable as well as socially irresponsible”. The restructuring of the company would result in additional costs of 200 million euros. The VC assumes that these will be raised with the help of state aid amounting to three billion euros. Any cost savings through the planned restructuring will not materialize for several years at the earliest, according to the VC.

The restructuring would cost around 200 million euros. This would mean that the group would sink a significant portion of the existing liquidity and government aid amounting to three billion euros in a project with no direct financial benefit and with an uncertain outcome.

“Already now - in the middle of the Corona crisis - Tuifly flies almost exclusively to the Canary Islands with over 20 aircraft and this could be increased due to the high demand. This clearly shows that 17 aircraft will by no means be sufficient for the home market of the world's largest tour operator. As soon as the corona crisis comes to an end, a significantly larger fleet will be needed to carry out the business and flight program. Here Tui intends to fly mainly with Eastern European low-cost airlines to a considerable extent in the future. Since Tui, as a premium provider with correspondingly high prices for customers, can sell this business practice to Tui customers is very questionable, ”said the Cockpit Association in a broadcast.

The union emphasizes that employees are aware of the Group's precarious situation and are ready to do their part. “This includes, among other things, the willingness to agree substantial collective bargaining contributions and to significantly increase the flexibility and productivity of the employees through changes in the collective wage agreement in favor of the employer. This offer by the workforce includes two components. On the one hand, the one-off costs for the Tui Group of around 200 million euros can be reduced immediately - these are urgently needed to finance the Tui Group in the crisis. Second, the Tuifly unions are also offering savings on running costs, ”writes the VC.