LNP – SriLankan cabin crew begin ’work to rule’ over meal allowance

The SriLankan Airlines Cabin Crew Members Association has launched a ‘work to rule’ campaign, citing several demands, including the reallocation of their onboard meal allowance.

A representative of the association said that the campaign commenced in April following multiple complaints to the SriLankan Airlines management.

During the campaign, cabin crew members will strictly adhere to their published rosters. Calls from the Crew Center will only be answered during designated standby periods. All safety and security protocols will be followed precisely, as outlined in the Safety and Emergency Procedures Manual. This includes strict compliance with timing for pre-departure and post-arrival procedures. Additionally, fatigue mitigation measures will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety of flight operations, especially on routes operated with a reduced crew. A Fatigue Mitigation Document will be circulated for reference.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the management decided to reduce certain allowances, including the onboard meal allowance. At that time, our association did not oppose these decisions, as the entire country was going through a difficult period,” said a union member. 

“However, now that SriLankan Airlines is no longer incurring losses, we have requested that the management reinstate the allowances and facilities that were cut during the pandemic.”

He further outlined the benefits that have been reduced or eliminated since the pandemic:

• Onboard meal allowance:
• Annual fixed increments (not implemented since 2016)
• Attendance incentive payment:
• Premium allowance increments
• Minimum productivity duty guarantee (2 hours per day)
• 13th-month payment
• Hotel accommodations compliant with CAASL regulations and located in city centers
• Uniform provision (previously five sets per year)

Meanwhile, the union claims that the management has increased the salaries, allowances and benefits of other airline staff. No reductions were made to the salaries of pilots and co-pilots, and they continue to have access to rest seats in business class.

“As cabin crew, we are currently operating under rosters affected by cumulative fatigue due to night turnaround flights exceeding 12 hours and long-haul night flights without rest seats. These are physically demanding conditions that may compromise performance during emergencies,” the member added. 

“We strongly discourage the extension of Flight Duty Periods (FDPs) at management discretion. Doing so may increase fatigue, jeopardize safe aircraft operations, and put lives at risk.”

The association also urged the management to immediately address the reallocation of rest seats on the Colombo (CMB)–Melbourne (MEL) and Colombo (CMB)–Sydney (SYD) routes, as well as to reinstate layovers in Middle Eastern destinations, including Doha (DOH), Dammam (DMM), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Dubai (DXB).

Following an executive committee decision and consultation with Cabin Managers, the association announced that the following precautionary measures will be implemented effective April 10, to safeguard the interests of its members.