Labour has called on the Government to act quickly and put in place a support package for the aviation sector which must include robust environmental conditions to aid a transition to a green economy.
Learning from international examples, the Government must require that any bailout packages given to aviation companies can only be granted on the condition that a clear climate plan, consistent with the Paris agreement, is in place and that companies have set out clear conditions to protect workers.
1.6 million jobs depend on the UK’s aviation sector. In recent weeks, Virgin Atlantic, Ryan Air and British Airways have all announced job cuts.
Labour is clear the aviation sector must become environmentally sustainable, however, to protect against short term unemployment and help stimulate that change the Government must take action now to ensure long term needs are met.
Labour has called for any Government bailouts to have the following conditions including that jobs are protected and Staff salaries are protected with a clear commitment to workers’ rights.
There should be a clear commitment to tackling climate change and for the industry to use cleaner fuels and other cutting-edge low or zero emission technologies.
Any company in receipt of money must ensure their tax base is in the and dividends should be paid until the company is proven to be commercially viable, as we have seen in other countries.
The airlines must give a commitment to pay UK based suppliers as a priority and that
all operators fully comply, without delay, with all consumer right regulations – particularly with regards to giving full refunds and that they offer customers the opportunity choose the greenest flight option.
Jim McMahon MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, said:
“The aviation industry is critical to the UK and we must ensure it has the best possible chance to survive and contribute towards our economic recovery. We must transform our economy to tackle the climate emergency, that includes protecting jobs now so they can be reskilled in the future.
“At such a critical time for the country, businesses should be doing all they can to protect jobs, as well as protecting the environment as we plan for the future.
“The Government must act now to ensure a robust plan is in place to protect jobs in the sector and set clear commitments to help tackle the climate emergency.”
