NTUC Looking at Options to Match Retrenched Staff to Roles at SIA Group

SIA Group has set up dedicated channels for them to expedite their applications

- Ng Wei Kai and Shermaine Ang

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is exploring possible opportunities to match retrenched Jetstar Asia employees, including crew and corporate staff, to suitable roles with the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group, said labour chief Ng Chee Meng.

SIA Group has set up dedicated channels for them to expedite their applications, a spokesperson for the company said in response to queries from The Straits Times.

It is working closely with Jetstar Asia and NTUC to explore employment opportunities for affected staff, the spokesperson added.

Over 500 employees from Jetstar Asia will be retrenched following the closure of the Singapore-based low-cost airline on July 31.

In a Facebook post on June 11, Mr Ng said the NTUC Aerospace and Aviation Cluster will work with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airport Group to identify opportunities for the affected employees as well.

He said: "The news of Jetstar Asia's closure is a hit for the many employees of the airline.

"They have contributed much to the airline over the years."

He added that NTUC and the Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers' Union (SMMWU) were informed of the retrenchments in advance, and SMMWU has been working closely with Jetstar Asia to support the workers.