As a result of the corona crisis, things are looking bleak for the Ving Group's Sunclass Airlines. 

Petter Stordalen's company has now issued an ultimatum to its staff, it reports. Aftonbladet.

Staff are threatened with dismissal if they do not agree to a reduced salary. 

– Many people feel very bad about this, a source tells the newspaper.

Last fall, well-known Norwegian businessman Petter Stordalen bought the airline Ving together with several other investors. 

But in the spring, the corona pandemic hit and the big deal was not as lucrative as hoped. 

Now the group's airline Sunclass Airlines has issued an ultimatum to its cabin crew.

”"In order for us to be able to move forward with a solution that means we don't have to lay off everyone flying in Sweden, it is necessary for everyone to say yes," the company writes in an internal document that Aftonbladet has seen.

Salary reduction or notice of dismissal

Around 180 employees are included in the Swedish workforce and they must therefore decide on a 20 percent pay cut. 

Otherwise, you may be given notice.

”"It would be unbearably difficult if we were forced to initiate layoffs for everyone," writes a manager in an appealing email that Aftonbladet has seen.

Responses from the 180 Swedish employees must be received by midnight on Wednesday evening. Anyone who is in favor of the pay cut can say yes online, but anyone who does not agree to the pay cut must contact a superior. 

– They say that it is important that everyone answers yes and that they therefore want to discuss with those who want to say no. You can imagine what a difficult situation it is for the staff, a source tells Aftonbladet.

”It's so ugly”

The airline is currently on short-term layoffs with support from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Development. However, they expire on November 30th and the planned wage cuts will take effect after that. 

The union Unionen can state that this type of question is not prohibited, but that they oppose the proposal to reduce wages. 

– It would hit the employees very hard. It would lead to worse unemployment benefits, health insurance and pensions, says Lena Georgsson Wirkkala at Unionen's press service, to Aftonbladet.

Source: expressen.se