SriLankan Airlines Crew Fly 12+ Hours Without Rest Seats

SriLankan Airlines Cabin Crew Launches Work-to-Rule Campaign Amid Ongoing Grievances

COLOMBO – In a significant move, the SriLankan Airlines Cabin Crew Members Association has initiated a ‘work to rule’ campaign as of April 2025. This action follows a series of unresolved complaints directed at management, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by cabin crew members in ensuring their rights and benefits are acknowledged.

During this campaign, SriLankan Airlines (UL) crew members are strictly adhering to their published rosters and will only respond to communications from the Crew Center during designated standby periods. This disciplined approach underscores their commitment to safety and operational protocols while advocating for their rights.

SriLankan Airlines Cabin Crew Protests for Fair Treatment

As part of the work-to-rule initiative, cabin crew members are following all safety and security protocols as outlined in the Safety and Emergency Procedures Manual. This includes precise adherence to pre-departure and post-arrival procedures, ensuring that flight operations remain uncompromised. Additionally, the association has introduced a Fatigue Mitigation Document aimed at enhancing flight safety, especially on routes operated with reduced crew.

The union emphasizes that during this campaign, flight attendants are strictly observing their official schedules and only engage with Crew Center communications during their assigned hours. A union representative stated, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, management reduced certain allowances, including the onboard meal allowance. While we did not oppose these decisions at that time, we now request the reinstatement of these allowances, as the airline is no longer operating at a loss.”

Key Benefits Under Review:

The association has raised concerns about several benefits that have been reduced or eliminated since the pandemic, including:

• Onboard meal allowance
• Annual fixed increments (not implemented since 2016)
• Attendance incentive payments
• Premium allowance increments
• Minimum productivity duty guarantee (2 hours per day)
• 13th-month payment
• City-center hotel accommodations compliant with CAASL regulations
• Uniform provision (previously five sets per year)

Unequal Treatment Allegations

The union claims that management has favored other airline staff by increasing salaries, allowances, and benefits, while cabin crew benefits remain stagnant. Notably, pilots and co-pilots have not faced salary reductions and continue to enjoy business class rest seats.

In light of these disparities, the association is calling for immediate action to address rest seat allocations on critical routes such as Colombo (CMB) to Melbourne (MEL) and Colombo (CMB) to Sydney (SYD). They are also seeking the reinstatement of layover accommodations in key Middle Eastern destinations, including Doha (DOH), Dammam (DMM), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Dubai (DXB).

Addressing Fatigue Concerns

The union has voiced serious concerns regarding crew fatigue, especially due to demanding rosters involving night turnaround flights that exceed 12 hours. A representative stated, “These conditions could jeopardize performance during emergencies. We strongly discourage extending Flight Duty Periods at management’s discretion, as this only increases fatigue and risks aircraft operations and passenger safety.”

Conclusion: The Ongoing Standoff

The dispute between SriLankan Airlines (UL) and its cabin crew continues as staff maintain their work-to-rule campaign. Crew members are committed to enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols and schedules as a means to pressure management into restoring the benefits cut during the pandemic. Their demands center around fair treatment, adequate rest periods, and the reinstatement of allowances now that the airline has returned to profitability.

As this situation evolves, passengers may experience potential impacts while the airline faces mounting pressure to address these grievances related to meal allowances, rest accommodations, and essential crew welfare benefits.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this ongoing situation. Share your opinions in the comments below or check out our related articles for more insights on airline industry trends and labor relations.