The Sunday Gleaner has learnt that the new Air Jamaica board has recommended that 30 per cent of the national carrier's employees be made redundant. The decision was made at a recent retreat of the board which is headed by executive chairman, Shirley Williams.

The airline has already commenced the dismissal of temporary employees and is currently making up two-week rosters only for permanent staff. It is customary for the airline to compile six-week work schedules for its staff.

Staff at both the Kingston and Montego Bay airports were advised by their managers on the weekend that there was uncertainty as to who would remain employed to the company within the next two weeks, a source disclosed.

This latest news comes as a surprise, particularly to the National Workers' Union (NWU), which represents the workers.

"I was told (last week) that the airline would not take such a decision until it had done its due diligence," remarked Granville Valentine, NWU vice-president, yesterday.