By Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter 
THE POSITIONS of 100 flight attendants were made redundant by Air Jamaica yesterday, with another 300 more to go over a short period of time.
According to a release from the company, the new Air Jamaica management team led by Dr. Vincent Lawrence, notified the flight attendants and the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), the union
representing the workers, of
the board's decision yesterday afternoon.
Dr. Lawrence stressed that the changes were "necessary and had to be done quickly in order to save the airline."
He added that "the adjustment in the number of flight attendants is in line with the reduction in the number of aircraft and routes". Yesterday Ruddy Spencer, president of the BITU told The Gleaner, "It is my understanding that 400 members of staff are to be separated from their jobs, 100 (of whom) will be flight attendants."
Dr. Lawrence also confirmed that staff levels in other areas, including pilots and management will be adjusted by next week. The company, as part of the restructuring effort to bring the airline into financial stability and viability, has ceased to operate the Manchester, Antigua and London to Havana routes.
In addition, the frequency of flights on other routes has been reduced, three aircraft are being returned and the restructuring team is working overtime to find other ways of reducing the company's expenses.
Dr. Lawrence said that those affected would receive, immediately their notice pay, all salaries due to them and payment for outstanding vacation leave.
On December 23, 2004, after accumulated losses of over US$600 million and mounting debts, the Government of Jamaica resumed full responsibility for the national airline. Dr. Lawrence was appointed executive chairman in charge of the restructuring process and
banker, Aubyn Hill, chief restructuring officer.
