9 of 10 SAS pilots positive about being temporarily part time to save younger colleagues

A large portion of SAS pilots are willing to work part time for a year if that would keep their younger colleagues employed, according to a survey. 

Chief Safety Representative and Captain, Jo Sirum, has conducted a survey where 166 of 179 captains are willing to work 50 to 90 percent for 12 months if it will save the one of the nearly 200 Norwegian SAS pilots who are terminated, writes Today’s Business. 

The SAS Management acknowledges Sirum for the initiative, but says it was not possible to come to an agreement with four pilot unions for part time work. At the end of April, SAS had to downsize significantly by laying off close to half their employees. 

A solution with going part time for a year was also on the table for negotiation with the labor unions of pilots and cabin crew, but instead the company announced that 560 pilots will be laid off.  Among them 200 Norwegians. They are the pilots with the least flying time, basically those employed after 2001, that have to go. 

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today