Committee publishes open letter to public

• Letter to the public
• Inquiry: Coronavirus: implications for transport
• Transport Committee

“Each and every email has informed the committee's work” writes the Chair, Huw Merriman MP, and “enabled us to raise the critical issues that you have brought to light.”

The committee has received thousands of emails, letters and tweets from across the UK, penned by aviation workers and passengers concerned about their jobs, safety, or money they are owed.

Many come from employees of British Airways who are concerned about their job security, or employment terms and conditions, following the company's announcement to consult over a number of changes including reductions in headcount.

The letter says: “It is clear to us that British Airways staff care about their carrier and each other, but many hold deep reservations about the motivations behind these changes.”

The committee has raised some of the issues directly with representatives of airlines and travel agents including the Chief Executive of British Airways' parent group, Willie Walsh. On Wednesday 20 May, the committee will question union representatives, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Minister for Aviation, Kelly Tolhurst MP.

The letter ends with a commitment to continue scrutiny. “When this pandemic passes, airlines and travel companies will have to answer for how they treated their workers and customers, as the Government will be judged on its response. The Transport Committee, when the time is right, will come back to look at these issues.”

Further information

• Guidance: written submissions
• About Parliament: Select committees

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