Good morning, afternoon, evening everyone
I’m keeping this week’s update short as I know that the restructuring, consultation processes and discussions are very consuming for many. But I do just want to say how incredibly sorry I am that we have to enter this period of reducing the scale of our team. Cunard has been on a roll over the last three years and we were looking forward to even better times, with growth on the horizon. There’s no way to describe the impact this virus has had upon us, other than disastrous. Make no mistake, Cunard will be back, of that I’m sure, but it is going to take quite some time – and I know that will be of little consolation for those who are affected in the meantime.
I also want to acknowledge that the North American team has been through a tough restructuring in the last week. Seeing talented colleagues leave the business or go on furlough is really hard, both for the individuals affected and for those left working.
Our thoughts are also with the Australian team that has been furloughing or part furloughing a number of positions. Again, this is not at all easy for anyone involved. I have been in touch with both teams over the last week and can only commend them on the impressive professionalism being shown by every last person.
There is some good news – earlier in the week we managed to get around 260 Filipino colleagues off QE and home to their families. In addition, a small number of crew from other countries were able to fly home. This has been an awfully long time in coming and I’m hopeful that it will open the way to many more be allowed to leave QE for their homes.
After having a number of QV’s crew members fall sick with respiratory illnesses or flu-like illnesses, including some Covid-19, I’m incredibly pleased to say that the number of instances has come down very significantly and the ship is now considered “Covid-Free” by Public Health England. This is super news as it paves the way for allowing crew members to get home, mostly to the Philippines. Flights still need to be sourced and permissions from Philippine authorities are still required but it’s a big step forward nonetheless.
Reuniting our crew colleagues with their families remains our top priority.
Thank you to everyone for the extraordinary professionalism being demonstrated.
Take care and look after yourselves,
Simon Palethorpe
President, Cunard