Almost half of cabin crew with mortgages have availed of a mortgage break or holiday as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, according to a Fórsa survey. And almost two-thirds (65%) say they are concerned or very concerned about their ability to repay their mortgages in future.

The survey also revealed that 95% of cabin crew have availed of some form of State support during the pandemic, with many reporting difficulties and confusion in applying for covid-related support payments.

As a result, the union is calling for support officers to be deployed in social welfare offices with a high density of aviation staff in the catchment area.

The union called for the Central Bank to adopt European Banking Authority (EBA) guidelines for the extension of mortgage payment breaks when it gave evidence at the Oireachtas transport committee earlier this week.

“The European guidelines do not currently apply in Ireland, where the application process is slow and onerous. After 11 months of income reductions, and no early sight of recovery, this is placing avoidable strain on workers,” according to senior Fórsa official Ashley Connelly.

The union’s cabin crew survey also revealed support for a test and tracing system at airports to facilitate increased travel. Some 70% indicated they would be willing to work in test tracing at the airport if given the opportunity.

The study also revealed a strong conviction that State supports for the aviation sector should be contingent on the protection of jobs, pay and working conditions.

Fórsa lead organiser Kevin Donoghue, who organised the survey, said the union was working with the branches in the sector to manage and minimise the damage through negotiations and by lobbying for increased State supports.

“The purpose of this survey is to share some of the concerns of our members, and outline solutions. We have included some of the details in a political briefing document, which outlines how severely the pandemic has impacted our members,” he said.

Fórsa has maintained any support package for the aviation sector should be contingent on protection and review of terms and conditions for staff and that government engage collectively with all interests in the aviation sector especially from a regional point of view.

Further information about the survey is available in the briefing document here.