SOME 100 Malindo Airways staff whose contracts were prematurely terminated during the movement-control order have filed a representation with the Industrial Relations Department for unfair dismissal.

The Malaysian Insight learnt that the representation, under Section 20 of the Industrial Relations Act 1967, was filed with the department’s Selangor chapter on June 1.

The department, which is under the Human Resources Ministry, has summoned the airline for a conciliation meeting on June 30.

Under Section 20, an employee who is dismissed or who considers their dismissal to be without just cause or excuse may file a written representation to the director-general of industrial relations within 60 days of the date of their termination or during the period of their notice of dismissal.

It is understood that staff from various departments, including cabin crew, are affected by Malindo’s move.

Some were informed of the termination of their contracts at the end of March, roughly a month before their last working date.

“In view of the Covid-19 outbreak, which continues to spread across the globe unabated, affecting both people and businesses, our company is severely impacted,” said a letter informing employees of their termination.

“This also had put a huge financial constraint on the company,” it said.

National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (Nufam) president Ismail Nasaruddin told The Malaysian Insight that the former Malindo staff want a proper explanation.

“They want to know why they were laid off way too early.”

Most of them had contracts that were due to expire only in 2023, but they were terminated without compensation, he said.

He said some were served the notice when they were halfway through their three-month unpaid leave.

They agreed to go on unpaid leave to help alleviate the carrier’s financial woes, but were “rewarded” with termination letters instead.

This is not right, said Ismail.

“Moreover, they are still owed their salaries and previous flying allowances,” he said, adding that some have backdated pay going back three months.

Nufam will represent the laid-off staff at the June 30 meeting.

Asked how many workers are affected, Ismail said there are around 100 ground staff, with the figure to grow following a voluntary separation scheme (VSS).

It was reported last week that Malindo is offering both permanent and contract staff VSS after it failed to secure loans or guarantees from the government to sustain its operations.

According to New Straits Times, the scheme is applicable to those with service contracts expiring beyond December 31. – June 12, 2020.