Finnair Suspends Staff Travel Benefits Due To Pilot Dispute

Finnair has temporarily suspended leisure travel benefits for its staff starting next week.

The airline faces significant disruptions due to ongoing industrial action by its Pilot Union, which went on strike for two days in December (read more here). It is currently banning its members’ overtime or standby duty (read more here), leading to many last-minute cancellations.

The suspension affects all employees eligible for the leisure travel benefit, with a temporary delay implemented to allow overseas staff to return to Finland if needed.

Finnair’s leisure travel benefit aligns with international airline standards. However, the suspension has sparked internal dissatisfaction, with some employees perceiving the move as a response to the ongoing labor disputes.

Conclusion

Finnair employs approximately 5,600–5,700 staff, all affected by this decision, even those not part of the strike action or working for Finnair’s partly owned Norra, which flies many of the airline’s regional and domestic flights.

The airline claims that the suspension of leisure travel benefits is a necessary step to navigate the current challenges and prioritize customer service, but it is difficult to see this as anything other than tit-for-tat.

The employee travel benefits, usually almost free tickets, are a significant part of the overall package that airline employees receive.

Once the dispute between Finnair and its pilot union is resolved, contract negotiations will be held with the airline and its flight attendants.

Source