SIA kicks off retrenchment exercise; affected staff told they will be paid until Dec 15

Retrenched Singapore Airlines staff who started receiving their pink slips from Monday (Sept 14) have been told that they will continue to receive their salary until Dec 15 this year. They will also retain their medical and other benefits until then. On top of this, each affected employee will be paid in lieu of the notice period in their employment contract. This can be up to three months' salary. Those who have been in service for two years or more will receive one month of pay for every year of service, capped at 25 months. The retrenchment exercise - which affects about 2,400 staff - is being conducted at the SIA Training Centre, near Changi Airport, for Singapore-based staff. A SIA spokesman said Monday that the airline has begun "the difficult and painful process of releasing some of our staff members from their service". He said: "We have worked closely with our unions to finalise the arrangements as soon as possible for those who are affected, and we will aim to minimise the stress and anxiety for our people. The terms of the release are in accordance with our collective agreements with our unions. SIA has also provided additional assistance, where possible and necessary."<br/>