Unite, which represents aviation workers, is calling for Sunak to “help aviation and aerospace through the uncertainty generated by the Omicron variant, so that it can rebuild sustainably and with resilience”.
General secretary Sharon Graham added: “Throughout the pandemic ministers have repeatedly failed to provide the support needed for an industry and workforce that are central to our economy.
“Jobs have been lost, pay and conditions cut and the future of world class UK aviation put at risk because the government has failed to provide the sector-specific support needed.
“Time and again, aviation workers have been abandoned by this government and left to pay the price. It is simply not good enough.”
The union wants aviation to receive a similar support package to that announced by Sunak on Tuesday (22 December) for pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Unite said it had been calling for a support package for aviation from the UK government since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Assistant general secretary Diana Holland added: “Rishi Sunak and transport secretary Grant Shapps have failed to take the specific action needed for this strategically important sector.
“However, as we know from competitor economies, interventions by governments save jobs and secure a more resilient future for the sector.
“The government has to provide support to give employees hope that they are securing a sustainable and more resilient future for this industry. It is wrong to leave thousands of workers with this level of insecurity and uncertainty.”
