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

12 April 2025 03:03 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 78 Bookmark

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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.

Comments - 78

Kikazaru Saturday, 12 April 2025 03:13 PM

The government should take this golden opportunity and shutdown this loss making airline now.

24 129

Gerry (England) Saturday, 12 April 2025 04:26 PM

I cannot believe that they do not seem to follow the rules as normal practice and would do only during disputes. The rules are there for the safety of everyone and they should adhere to them at all times. Being up in the air is not a simple matter. Are they saying that as a matter of routine they are breaking the safety rules?

3 60

Moada hutans Sunday, 13 April 2025 11:32 AM

Gerry, are you from England? WOW!

4 13

Harsha Wijewardene Monday, 14 April 2025 12:54 AM

Same old story, waste of tax payer funds. Corrupt from top to bottom, overstaffed with lazy political lackeys.

0 5

Kannasamy Monday, 14 April 2025 04:46 PM

Cabin Screw ?

0 3

TIME TO START TRAINING A NEW BATCH OF FLIGHT CREW Saturday, 12 April 2025 04:57 PM

WHY CLOSE DOWN THE AIRLINE, LOOKING AT THOSE DEMANDS, TAKE FOR INSTANCE INFLIGHT MEALS ALLOWANCE!! WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP, GIVE THEM THE CHOICE TO HAVE THEIR LEALS IN FLIGHT LIKE ALL PASSEGERS DO (TAKING TURNS). SOME OF THE FLIGHT CREW NEED TO BE REPLACED AS THEY ARE NOT FIT FOR DUTY, BEAUTY IS NOT WHAT IS REQUIRED BUT DEDICATION AND BRAINS TO PERFORM.

9 65

james Saturday, 12 April 2025 05:43 PM

Will never happen since AKD and his daughter in law both works at sri lankan cabin crew

28 19

Sethun Weerasinghe Sunday, 13 April 2025 07:15 AM

Agree 100% but then the short ugly black monkey AKD’s son and daughter-in-law would be out of a job because they work as part of the cabin crew. I know this because I ran into them during a flight to Sydney.

33 8

Confused Sunday, 13 April 2025 12:44 PM

james, I thought AKD was the president of Sri Lanka. Oh, how wrong I was!

0 12

wsw Sunday, 13 April 2025 03:43 PM

I am baffled the moderator would approve such low vile comments being posted about the anyone, leave aside the the leader of the country.

2 16

Perera charlimont Saturday, 12 April 2025 03:26 PM

While claiming to prioritize safety, their roster adherence and fatigue complaints suggest a focus on selfish ideas over passenger service. Demanding perks like city-center hotels and business-class rest seats, while other staff adapted, exposes a selfish attitude that tarnishes the airline’s and the countries reputation. Poor service starts with such self-centered behavior. Embarrassing to see this as a Sri Lankan. Please close the airline down!!!

12 66

DO NOT GIVE INTO THESE DEMANDS, THERE WILL BE NO END TO THIS SAGA. Saturday, 12 April 2025 04:59 PM

CLOSING THE AIRLINE DOWN IS NOT NECESSARY, JUST SIMPLY DO NOT GIVE IN TO THEIR DEMANDS, LET THE WORK TO AIRLINE RULES AND REGULATIONS SET OR RESIGN AND GO GET ANOTHER JOB, PERIOD.

14 42

Christopher afflec Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:42 PM

Better get your facts straight before making assumptions, there are stipulated standards and guidelines according to international norms of aviation. How exactly do you come to the conclusion that these are selfish motives? when fatigue, flight time limitations are basic standards in international aviation and breach of such can result in serious consequences. Which is why facts such as, allocating hotels in a township closest to an aerodrome is a necessity in order to be well rested before the next duty turn, Non of these are DEMANDS, All the points extracted and posted in the article are contractual obligations agreed by the management and the representation of the flight attendants, and which was included in their total remuneration and REMOVED UNLAWFULLY. No one does a job as charity, every employment has its merits and negatives. As for your suggestion of closing down the airline shows the amount of knowledge you possess on aviation and general economy.

10 53

Yohan Saturday, 12 April 2025 03:30 PM

Who says it is no longer at a loss. It is the government tressurey that took over the loss but still it is at a loss. Government should close down sri lankan completely.

9 84

Harsha Wijewardene Saturday, 12 April 2025 03:32 PM

Same old story, waste of tax payer funds. Corrupt from top to bottom, overstaffed with lazy political lackeys.

4 76

Kannasamy Saturday, 12 April 2025 03:33 PM

UL Usually Lousy.

6 50

Using Taxpayer’s money Saturday, 12 April 2025 04:44 PM

And Usually Late! Using taxpayer’s money to sustain this bleeding airline. It’s really mind blowing why the current and previous governments want to fund this messy setup. Previous governments wanted it for their personal benefits for globetrotting. Current government, not sure why?

0 39

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Saturday, 12 April 2025 05:37 PM

If the management is WISE they would get rid of the under performing staff, hire educated dedicated staff and run governed by the airline rules not staff and or unions!!.

0 29

RanjithT Saturday, 12 April 2025 04:36 PM

Twisting and turning words saying that Srinkan is not making losses. Absolute BS. It is making huge losses but they claim to making operational profits. It doesn't mean it is running at a profit It simply says it is meeting its operational cost without having to borrow. Operational profit is before taxes and interest payments. Airline is a huge burden to taxpayers

2 46

TCAS NAVIN Saturday, 12 April 2025 04:40 PM

They should just be lucky they have good jobs…

2 46

Samantha athauda Saturday, 12 April 2025 07:12 PM

Indeed they should, so should the pilots isn't it?

142 10

Crazy8 Sunday, 13 April 2025 07:41 AM

Who needs pilots? Cabin crew can take over at short notice, esp., in an emergency when pilots don't know how to handle a failing engine.

1 44

RS Saturday, 12 April 2025 04:49 PM

The best time to close shop. The crew are most unfriendly and aloof bunch. I flew recently from Karachi and decided will try to avoid UL as much as possible. They are usually late (UL) and most unreliable.

2 50

Ground crew Saturday, 12 April 2025 04:51 PM

This cabin crew are the bane of the airline. When the poor ground staff are working for chicken feed, these fellows want luxury. I have seen some fat women who don’t fit the profile and can't speak any proper language but act like big madams from Colombo 7 and they want more money to do their shopping in other countries to show their goday village gobbayas their ill-gotten money from the poor taxpayers. Some of their boru posh FAT instructor ladies fly as extra crew in business class just to earn extra money and do the shopping when the important pilots fly whilst working as normal crew members. These wannabe beauties (but ugly) are a nuisance to the airline and the country. Sack them all, starting from the union president, free-loading instructors and the obese lot. Nobody is indispensable.

3 68

Thengai Srinivasan Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:00 PM

These wannabe beauties but ugly. Exactly spot on. All the beauties that once flew Airlanka or no more to be seen only rotten expired fat ugly staff.

3 35

RS Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:17 PM

Spot on!

2 24

Samantha athauda Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:44 PM

Which family member of yours got rejected at the interview?

126 24

fat stewardess Saturday, 12 April 2025 08:49 PM

Spoken like a true current fat stewardess in the airline

2 8

Nanthana Saturday, 12 April 2025 05:06 PM

It’s very unfortunate that the NPP government said it will NOT be privatised. This is the outcome. NPP please change your mind and privatise the airline.

5 23

Asshole Saturday, 12 April 2025 05:34 PM

AKD FIRE ALL THE BUGGERS lIKE WHAT LI KWAN YU DID TO SQ PILOTS. HIRE NEW PILOTS AND CARRY ON. THESE BUGGERS ARE SO UNGRATEFUL WHEN THEY COLLECT MILLIONS OF RUPEES EACH MONTH. THIS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO CLOSE DOWN THE AIRLINE LET THE BUGGERS GO HOME AND REPENT AND REGRET AS THEY HAVE EVERY F…..NG LUXURY IN LIFE WHEN OTHERS GET PEANUTS.

3 22

Perera Saturday, 12 April 2025 05:36 PM

If some one is not satisfied quit and jump into some other airline. If its difficult to jump onto another airline then do not whinge and whine. Value the job you have and work.

1 23

Clemont De Silva Sunday, 13 April 2025 12:35 AM

Spoken like a true slave, ever heard of industrial norms and practices? Guess not.. there are stipulated standards and practices which are bounded contractually. Just because an incomplitent and unethical management decised to breach standards doesnt mean the employee has to jump ship.

0 7

Kirihāmi Sunday, 13 April 2025 11:40 AM

All the norms and practices go out the window, when you're one of the biggest loss makers of the country and has to be financially aided to run the everyday affairs, burdening the hard earned tax money and public funds.

0 4

Sri Lankan Saturday, 12 April 2025 05:40 PM

A huge loss making Airline with a cabin crew who feel entitled for benefits of a profit making Airline is a recipe for Disaster. The pilots should anyway be paid a global standard wage as they carry the real responsibility of safety. The cabin crew however can find alternate airlines if they want higher wages, as younger crews can be trained and deployed to take over till the Carrier makes a profit. Selling the airline is not the answer.

3 19

Mori Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:15 PM

Good....then the management should apply the body index and weight measures to fit for a good looking crew.. Let them comply with those rules...make it compulsory an IELTS level English and another Asian and European language and a perfect figure...

0 24

Roshan Tuesday, 15 April 2025 09:59 PM

It's not a beauty pageant.

0 1

Vipula Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:17 PM

Shut the thing down. Let the parasites go.

2 14

Ranil Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:20 PM

Sri Lankan management is violating international regulations, giving layovers for fatigue flights is an international norm, middle Eastern layovers are given only for pilots. Fatigue is a main factor in airline operations. If you guys don't know about airline operation don't comment.

2 25

Kevin Perera Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:25 PM

People who doesn’t have a slightest idea about international regulations regarding flying and what is cabin crew job are commenting here. All they see is serving a meal and a drink. There are industry standards which has to be respected immaterial the country or airline is. Also don’t think vrew job is glamorous and easy as much as it looks. After all those people also humans. Macho guys who are commenting here will have no clue and will have to depend on the crew if there’s a real emergency occured

6 23

edirisinghe Seneviratne Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:29 PM

This is typical. Most people do not fly Sri Lankan due to poor service onboard compared to other airlines. They have to realize a new government is trying to keep the ai line alive dispite all the negative effects the air line is having . When the air line was sinking you did not complain . Now that some measures are taken you want to sabotage. This is absolute tragedy. Like everyone else you must try to bring the sinking airline back to skies. STOP these nonsense strikes, work to rule nonsense.

2 14

Patrick fernando Sunday, 13 April 2025 12:48 AM

Sure!! And what exactly do you plan to do when the crew is not fit enough to respond to a situation due to induced fatique and lack of rest?

1 7

Ranjan Madugalle Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:33 PM

As a concerned member of the public, I feel compelled to speak up in support of the SriLankan cabin crew. Many people have no idea how much these professionals sacrifice behind the scenes. Crew members don’t just serve meals—they are trained to handle life-threatening emergencies, medical issues, and evacuations under immense pressure, all while smiling and keeping passengers calm. But how can they continue to perform at their best when they are overworked, underpaid, and denied basic essentials like proper meals or rest? Fatigue is a serious safety risk in aviation. God forbid there’s ever an emergency—will we blame the crew then for not reacting fast enough, when it’s actually management that’s been pushing them beyond safe limits? SriLankan Airlines continues to cut corners to save costs, even if it compromises safety. Many aircraft have broken seats, damaged IVs, and outdated equipment. Yet, it’s the crew who go above and beyond to keep passengers comfortable and safe!

52 33

Kirihāmi Sunday, 13 April 2025 10:12 AM

No one has conscripted them with a gun to their head to accept these jobs. If they are not happy with what they get, they can always leave and find better terms and perks elsewhere. What's stopping them? If the airline is making losses, cut outs and cut downs should be expected - or else they all can go down with it dragging parts of the economy with them.

1 34

P Kunchithapathan Saturday, 12 April 2025 06:35 PM

No concessions whatsoever should be granted. These individuals are the principal agitators within the organization. Should their demands be met, it will undoubtedly set a precedent, prompting other trade unions to follow suit. Their underlying intentions are highly concerning and overtly driven by political agendas. Such actions threaten to erode public trust in SriLankan Airlines, compelling passengers to seek alternative carriers. These agitators are blatantly self-serving, showing no regard for the fact that the nation is still navigating a severe economic crisis. It is imperative that the organization replaces them with more qualified and competent personnel—of whom there is no shortage, as many capable candidates are currently on the waiting list.

4 13

R Navaratnam Saturday, 12 April 2025 07:10 PM

1) Thirteenth month pay:: Based on what. A recipe for destroying the country 2) Generally in the Economy Class there is lots of room for improvement, when it comes to service to passengers. Overall - UL is a loss, a waste of tax payers money. Conclusion: Government has better things to do for the betterment of people rather than spend time on such matters. So, privatization is the only way.

3 15

Riz Saturday, 12 April 2025 07:15 PM

As long as it provides safety and a good service for the passengers. After all these are the ambassadors in the sky.

0 10

wickrama Wijayasiri Saturday, 12 April 2025 07:21 PM

Sri Lankan is a good airline compared to Air Canada and Air India. They operate almost full or full flights on all routes. The quality of service and profitability suffered under MR's starting from CBK's involvements. It should be reorganized for better service and profitability. It was Emirates' involvement which ran it down. We should renew the Singapore airlines connection during which we did very well. The cabin crews are amongst the best and courteous I have experienced. Listen to their plight please.

3 11

Rita Fernando Saturday, 12 April 2025 07:31 PM

We cheer when a flight lands safely during turbulence. We post “thank you crew” stories on social media. But when they stand up for their well-being, we turn our backs? That says more about us than them.

74 14

Rita Fernando Saturday, 12 April 2025 07:31 PM

We cheer when a flight lands safely during turbulence. We post “thank you crew” stories on social media. But when they stand up for their well-being, we turn our backs? That says more about us than them.

74 3

Kumari Saturday, 12 April 2025 07:32 PM

SriLankan crew are praised globally for their service. Other airlines admire their standards. But back home, their own management disrespects and undermines them. The irony is painful.

4 15

Kumar Saturday, 12 April 2025 07:34 PM

This isn’t a 9-to-5. Cabin crew deal with time zones, jet lag, constant pressure, and safety responsibility 35,000 feet above ground. All for a country’s flag and a passenger’s smile. The least they deserve is fair treatment ! Come on man!

18 14

Moada hutans Sunday, 13 April 2025 11:47 AM

Oh, how unselfish! I didn't know it was "All for a country’s flag and a passenger’s smile." What fantastic benevolent souls these people are!

0 6

Marcus Saturday, 12 April 2025 07:35 PM

Just because the cabin crew smiles, doesn’t mean they’re not suffering. Most of them don’t complain, they just carry on. But now, they’ve reached breaking point—and instead of support, the public blames them? That’s heartbreaking.

10 16

Dr Tissa Fernando Saturday, 12 April 2025 08:11 PM

I think that the demands are reasonable and they are asking to reinstate the cut benefits. The staff motivation is crucial for airline business. The only unreasonable demand is to ask for reserved seats in business class in Colombo Melbourne flight which is about 10 hours. The crew gets to stay in Melbourne after completion of one flight so why do they need reserved seats in the flight because they are supposed to be working. Many Emirates long duration flights no longer have crew rest areas because they are supposed to be at work during the flight.

23 10

Patrick Fernando Sunday, 13 April 2025 12:43 AM

Dr.Fernando, There is was no request as such made, there are crew rest seats allocated in the aircraft, which is manufactured for the sole purpose. And the australian flights are physically challenging flights which is also in the margine of exceeding the flight time limitations of the cabin crew. As such was recognised before it was honered at the time. The main concern is the safety of the aircraft, passengers and the crew. And its impreative that crew is under proper conditions to respomd should there be a need. Hence its a industrial norm world wide.

0 4

M Fernando Sunday, 13 April 2025 04:20 AM

I think Emirates runs much larger modern aircraft with built in crew rest areas that don't use paying pax seats

0 2

Dr Tissa Fernando Sunday, 13 April 2025 04:05 PM

@M Fernando, Emirates had those sleeping areas in the past and they no longer have them.

13 1

roobarbie Sunday, 13 April 2025 02:20 PM

Reserved seats in business class? You mean the public is paying to take the cabin crews to Melbourne in comfort. Do they want us to come and wake them up when the aircraft lands at Melbourne. What a cushy life? May I volunteer to become cabin crew for no pay, just to receive these perks?

0 0

Kugan Saturday, 12 April 2025 09:11 PM

Keep the ground handling/servicing, catering,and engineering wind this Air line it's purely there for to keep the elites shower with perks ..

1 3

Sunil Saturday, 12 April 2025 09:29 PM

Sri Lankan airlines now making a profit? Who says so? and what about the losses accumulated along the way that has been funded by the average tax payer that needs to be recouped?

0 1

maha Saturday, 12 April 2025 09:56 PM

don't forget Sri Lankan was profit making during Emirates run, bluntly previous Govt acquired by chasing away Emirates. Since then, commenced collapsing, ruined reputation and derived to huge loss-making entity. With this lesson learn, only solution should be privatized

0 1

Chamara Saturday, 12 April 2025 11:05 PM

For those who don't know much about airlins and our airline here are simple facts. The national airline can be privatised but no one is interested due to the bad publicity given by each government on this. So this is out of equation. Secondly the entire internal management (the SMT in airline terms) must be freshly head hunted. If you take a look at these Head of Divisions, they are age old people in the airline enjoying the last benefits before retirement. Hope the new HHR will look at this. Thirdly the airline internal management with the Board are proposing cost reductions from the 'service' and 'passengers' and it's own Cabin Crew mostly while others gain salary hikes even in difficult times. Classic example is a Senior Management is given a basic salary, tons of allowances, including a SUV, fuel allowance, drivers salary or self driving allowances, fuel limit, home telephone allowances, mobile iPhone and iPad and it's data connections and voice connections, laptop, desktop!!!!!

0 4

Dr Tissa Fernando Saturday, 12 April 2025 11:13 PM

No Plan Pacha Party should have spent USD 1 billion to buy brand new aircrafts for long duration flights. They could at least buy 4 such aircrafts and increase number of flights in high passenger segments like Colombo Melbourne, Colombo London etc. That would been better rather than importing cheap Indian made cars that will last only 4 to 5 years max. But No Plan Pacha party has no brain power.

21 2

roobarbie Saturday, 12 April 2025 11:28 PM

I think most of the cabin crew are political appointments by MPs and Ministers of the previous governments when corruption was endemic. Even they are physically and mentally unfit for the duties of a cabin attendant. Now they are being manipulated by their masters that appoint them in order to sabotage whatever the small progress that the airline is making under NPP governments management.

1 1

Ranga Sunday, 13 April 2025 06:16 AM

Privatise privatise privatise 13th-month payment lol NPP will hopefully correct this wrong policy decision

0 2

Ram P Sunday, 13 April 2025 06:30 AM

Cabin crew accepted the jobs knowing fatigue separation from family for long hours etc. Why grumble now. This is not the Cabin crew at work but a hidden hand trying to out run the government

0 2

A Supporter of Sri Lankan Airlines Sunday, 13 April 2025 06:35 AM

Sri Lankan Airlines became a loss making airlines thanks to Mahinda Rajpaksa's relatives and friends. This Cabin Crew is not responsible for that.

14 3

Cheers Sunday, 13 April 2025 06:57 AM

Look at yhe current government and the leader Anura Kumara and his chuck golayas running the country with the government servants and the same has got to the head of the sri lankan airlines staff with more demands with no productivity or dedication aragalayata Jayawewa

1 1

Nimal Seneviratne Sunday, 13 April 2025 07:22 AM

Sri Lankan Airlines is a loss making white elephant which is a pain to the taxpayers an example of how tax payers money has been wasted.

0 3

ding ding dinga Sunday, 13 April 2025 07:28 AM

I thought it is usual practice in Sri lanka, that's why Sri lanka became 1st Country in Asia Bankrupt. Well done, Keep going...

0 2

Jude Sunday, 13 April 2025 10:03 AM

Get rid of Sri Lankan airlines. AKD stop this nonsense Yeah funding eternally money losing SriLankan airlines. AKD you're wasting billions, if not trillions of rupees just to having a national airline. Come re-election time your opponents will be harping about this monumental mistake and colossal amount of wasted Money. It's safe to say this NPP government will not be re-elected.

0 5

Just Another Citizen Sunday, 13 April 2025 11:48 AM

Great time to start getting rid of staff

0 2

Aththatuman Sunday, 13 April 2025 01:51 PM

Very interesting (

0 0

Chanaka Sunday, 13 April 2025 02:00 PM

I had a very bad inflight experience from cabin crew in my recent flight on 07.04.2025. It's bad even before this work to rule TUA, so why bother, Can't be worse.

0 0

Air Ceylon to Air Lanka to this! Sunday, 13 April 2025 03:19 PM

Congratulations! Come join the majority!

0 0

KP Sunday, 13 April 2025 11:05 PM

The story goes that the hole in hell for Sri Lankans is not guarded because Sri Lankans drag each other down if someone tries to escape. When one fights for their legitimate rights, others condemn. Good to see Sri Lankan employees defending trade union action. But when doctors do the same, I’m sure they didn’t think twice before commenting.

0 0

Frustrated SriLankan customer Monday, 14 April 2025 12:21 AM

Sri Lankan staff steals customer money through double charging and the company does not give refunds. now they're complaining about being cheated themselves! Karma is a real female dog isn't it!

0 0

Reza Tuesday, 15 April 2025 09:01 AM

Its a very tough, risky job, flying. The cabin crew are the face of the airline and should be looked after. In a pressurized plane, 30,000 feet above handling 200 demanding passengers (from India are the most difficult). Not easybguys so shut up if you have negativity.

0 0

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