MAS offers flexi employment programme

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) yesterday launched its flexi employment programme, a voluntary initiative that allows its employees to explore new work and business opportunities outside the airline.

In a statement yesterday, MAS said that employees are given a choice to choose between a Voluntary Leave Programme (VLP) and a Part Time-50 percent programme (50 percent PT Programme).

Under the VLP and 50 percent PT, employees will be allowed to pursue other jobs and business opportunities provided they receive written approval from the airline.

“Although we want to reduce manpower in the short term to manage our cost as we are similarly affected by the fuel price, our approach is different as we will grow in the medium to long term and we want to keep our skilled employees,” said MAS executive director and chief financial officer Tengku Azmil Zahruddin.

He said employees now have an opportunity to take time off to explore new opportunities, learn new skills and yet have the assurance of having a job to return to.

While eligible employees could apply for these two programmes, Tengku Azmil said the final decision was with the company.

There are two options under the VLP open to Malaysian-based permanent staff, except technical crew.

“Option one allows employees to take a monthly allowance amounting to 20 percent of his or her last drawn basic salary or RM500, whichever is higher and they also enjoy existing medical and dental benefits,” MAS said.

Option two allows the employee to enjoy his or her annual privilege travel, concessional travel and medical benefits. However, there is no monthly allowance.

“Employees can take the leave and return as a full-time employees in either six or 12 months,” the airline said.

Under the 50 percent PT option which offers to Malaysian-based permanent staff who are not on shift duties, to work part-time with their work schedule and basic salary to be halved.

With the approval from their immediate superior, employees can opt to work alternate weeks, either morning or afternoon sessions or alternate between two or three days a week.

The closing date for submission for the two programmes is on Oct 1, 2008.