A NUMBER of aircraft maintenance workers have been sacked after they spoke out over being paid half their wage amid coronavirus lockdown.

The workers at Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance (PAML) which services Ryanair planes have been laid off.

Aerospace union Prospect have confirmed almost 20 workers have contacted them to say they have received a letter from PAML confirming their contract was being terminated, whilst one worker has said that at least 30 have been fired.

The workers are all said to be on probation or have been with the company less than two years, meaning they are not entitled to any redundancy pay.

A letter to an employee stated that the company wished to “seek and preserve” their long-term future, and that most staff had agreed to accept pay cuts for April and May.

The letter reads: “I am disappointed by your claims relating to the necessary pay cut when millions of UK citizens have lost their jobs in recent weeks, including today with British Airways announcing 38,000 staff being furloughed because of the crisis, while PAML is still in the fortunate position of providing employment in an essential service.

“The pay cut of 50 per cent in fair, proportionate and equitable response to unprecedented circumstances.”

“I am disappointed by the content of your letter in the middle of this unprecedented crisis. I therefore wish to advise you that your probation has been unsuccessful and your contract for employment is terminated.”

Prospect have been left baffled that PAML have continued to operate as normal, as many other aerospace businesses have put staff on furlough.

The union has slammed boss Ed Cunningham for the dismissal of staff.

Prospects National Secretary for Scotland, Richard Hardy said: “What we’re seeing is the dismissals have been of people who are in their probation or staff who have been there less than two years.

“The behaviour is grievous whether it's one or 30 workers that have lost their job, we consider this behaviour to be poor.”

The union have criticised Mr Cunningham and PAML for not accepting that help that is available for workers, with the option of furlough having been refused.

They have also insisted that no Ryanair planes have been used for repatriation of UK nationals who are stranded abroad amid Covid-19.

Richard said: “If British Airways is laying off staff onto the Furlough, what makes him think that his work is anymore essential?

“We’ve been trying to engage with him. We have been trying to get him to close his business and do the right thing.

“He doesn’t think furlough is available to aviation, but Prestwick Airport staff were furloughed, Logan Air have been with Scottish Government help available.”

Prospect fear that continued operations at the site, is putting workers still employed at risk.

Richard added: “I understand how SME businesses owners are feeling. There is plenty of assistance out there for them, we are more than happy to work with them

“But continuing to work, making people sick and ill is wrong. If somebody dies, if one of his workforce dies, the consequences for him will be immense “What he is seeing is short term and not the medium to long term.”

The Ayr Advertiser contacted Ryanair and PAML for comment.

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