Don't give airlines a free ride
International travel is grinding to a halt in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. In response airlines are calling for public bailouts, so they can go back to business as usual as quickly as possible.
The airline bosses want a blank cheque. But we believe any public support should protect what really matters: people and the climate.
The campaign
Right now people around the UK are pulling together to support each other during an unprecedented and frightening health crisis.
But bosses like Richard Branson have asked workers to go home without pay, while also requesting a public bailout. This is despite being eligible for the government’s furlough scheme, which would allow workers to receive 80% of their pay while they’re unable to work, and ensure that they have jobs to return to after the crisis.
This comes after decades of airline bosses refusing to pay fair taxes - while increasing their carbon emissions faster than anyone else. Aviation is virtually the only sector which refuses to reduce its overall emissions, and its plans for continuing growth jeopardise the UK’s ability to meet our legally-binding climate commitments.
Rather than bail out airlines to continue with business as usual, we have a chance to get them to put the public and the climate first in future.
Possible is one of over 250 organisations around the world working together to demand that any bailouts:
Put airline workers before company profits
All aviation industry employees must receive at least the Real Living Wage for the duration of the crisis, and there must be a commitment to avoid lay-offs. Appropriate support must be provided for workers to transition to low-carbon industries.
Commit airlines to reducing emissions, not growing them
Airlines must be required to adopt short-term emissions reductions targets which are in line with the Paris Agreement. They must also explain how they will meet those targets, without relying on offsets or other measures which do not sufficiently reduce climate impacts.
Ensure airlines pay fair taxes, like everyone else
Airlines must be prevented from using bailout funds to line the pockets of shareholders. They must also begin paying a fair share of tax, including a Frequent Flyer Levy. The government should consider receiving a stake in the company in return for state assistance.
How can I help?
There are two things you can do to put pressure on the government to ensure any bailouts for airlines meet these conditions.
Sign the petition
Over 66,000 people worldwide have already signed a petition, launched in the UK by Possible and aviation campaign network Stay Grounded. Why not add your name now? And if you’ve already signed, please share the petition on social media and with your family and friends. The more people sign, the easier it will be to show that this is an issue the public cares about.
Write to your MP
As your representative in parliament, your MP is a resource well worth using. Over the past few days, thousands of us have written to our MPs asking them to ask the Chancellor to listen to our demands. If you haven’t yet asked your MP to ensure that public money protects what matters, use our tool to do so now - it’s quick and easy and we even have a template email to help you out.
Download and share the poster
Our designer Matt has created this great poster that you can share online, or print to distribute in your area. Why not hang one in your window for passers-by to look at? Just click the button to download it as a PDF.
