Foreword
Dear Members,
As 2025 ends, thank you for your professionalism and dedication through another demanding year.
The third and fourth quarters will bring high passenger loads and intense schedules. Your commitment to safety and service during this peak period has been outstanding. As the busy season continues, please prioritise your wellbeing. Rest well and stay healthy.
The past three months have been active for STSU. Your feedback helped us quickly resolve critical issues including the WOCL 4 sectors pairing, the JFO/SO salary increment and EWL disruptions. When you brought concerns to us, we acted. Other matters remain in progress, and we will keep you updated.
STSU delegates participated in NTUC's Pre-ODC and ODC, helping shape the labour movement's strategy. We engaged with Acting Minister of Transport Jeffery Siow on flight crew pregnancy support and pilot training costs. Conversations like these matter. The new team has also been actively engaging stakeholders such as IFALPA, ALPA-S, and CAAS, and we plan to maintain this momentum.
Looking to 2026, we remain focused on flying hour disparities and their impact on your income and career progression. We are actively engaging the company. We will also start working and preparing for the Collective Agreement negotiations. The positive response to our recent branch events encourages us to expand these opportunities for dialogue.
Thank you for your trust, feedback, and participation. You make this union stronger.
STSU wishes you a wonderful year-end, happy holidays, and a happy new year.
In solidarity,
Pe Hon, President
Jessica, General Secretary
Jimmy, General Treasurer
Breaking the Stigma: Supporting Mental Health in Aviation
Your mental health is as important as your physical fitness. The psychological and emotional health of a pilot can affect their ability to perform flight duties safely and effectively, just as physical health can. Yet many crew members hesitate to seek support due to fear of judgement or career impact. This needs to change.
Mental Health is Health
Stress, anxiety, depression and burnout can affect anyone. These conditions are common, treatable, and responding early makes all the difference. Seeking help is not weakness. It's responsible judgement that protects your wellbeing and flight safety.
Your Career is Protected
Many worry that reporting mental health concerns will end their flying career. This is not the case. The company's processes are designed to support you whilst maintaining safety standards. Most mental health conditions, when properly managed, do not prevent you from flying. Safe return to duty of affected individuals remains the key goal of mental health support initiatives.
Early self-reporting shows good judgement. Self-recognition and self-declaration remain the best way of early identification. The company, STSU, and Civil Aviation Medical Board jointly support crew members through mental health challenges under the Tripartite Memorandum for Mental Health and Wellness Support for Pilots and ATCOs.
Resources Available
Peer Support - Pilot Support Group (PSG)
Scoot's Pilot Support Group is a voluntary group of trained peer supporters. Being a programme run by pilots for pilots, it's effective because both the supporting and supported party share common context and experience. The peer supporters can be discreetly contacted, and confidentiality is always maintained. They can actively listen, support you in identifying steps for resolution, and provide advice regarding channels for treatment where needed.
You can contact any peer supporter directly via Microsoft Teams Chat. The list of trained peer supporters is available in the FCAM.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The company engages an external provider, MindNation, for the provision of EAP for all Scoot employees. It's an alternative channel of support for those who prefer to speak with a qualified counsellor who has no affiliation with the company. The EAP counsellor may also provide referrals to community resources and support for a range of personal concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship issues.
Details to contact the EAP counsellor can be found in the Employee Service Centre (ESC) under the "Employee Wellness and Support" category. Alternatively, MindNation 24/7 Counselling Service and other additional helplines can be found at flyscoot.workvivo.com/spaces/189153/pages/mental-wellness.
Occupational Health Services can assess your needs and guide you.
STSU Representatives ensure you're treated fairly throughout the process.
Taking Action
If you're struggling:
- Speak with your GP or a mental health professional
- Contact a Peer Supporter from the list above
- Contact the EAP for confidential counselling via MindNation
- Reach out to STSU at stsu@ntuc.org.sg or any of your union leaders for guidance or representation
You don't face these challenges alone. Your wellbeing matters to your colleagues, passengers, and most importantly, to yourself and your family.
If you're struggling, reach out. Seeking support is an act of courage and professionalism.
ALE bidding
Pilots & Cabin Crew
Based on your feedback to the Union, Pilot Branch and Cabin Crew Branch championed several enhancements to leave bidding. The enhancements include:
Leave length priority now includes adjacent off days for Pilots
Longer leave blocks will enjoy higher ranking for allocation. Previously, off days were not included in this length criteria. We championed for them to be included. Now, crew with longer combined leave blocks (including adjacent off days) receive higher priority. For example, if you take 5 days leave, then 2 off days, then another 3 days leave, this 10-day total gives you higher priority than someone taking just 5 days leave plus 2 off days.
More transparent ranking
To enhance transparency, leave rankings are now displayed in the ScootAway leave system.
Fairer peak period rotation
Peak periods are now clearly defined as Christmas (24/25/26 Dec 2026), New Year (31 Dec 2026, 1/2 Jan 2027), and Chinese New Year (6/7/8/9 Feb 2027). If you're approved for leave during these peak periods in FY2627, you'll receive lowest priority for peak period leave in FY2728, ensuring fairer rotation.
These improvements were developed through engagement with members and aim to make the leave bidding process fairer and more transparent for all crew. We thank our management partners, including HR, Cabin Services, Flight Operations and Rostering, for helping make this happen.
Winners for Sep 2025 STSU Life giveaway
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
As promised in the September 2025 STSU Life, we received 62 entries to the giveaway. Winners were picked during the November 2025 Exco Meeting. Congratulations to our three winners:
- Aminuddin Bin Ahmad
- Pei Fang Sabrina Soong
- Hafeez Bin Mohd Shukor
Each winner received a $50 Grab voucher.
Thank you for participating in the giveaway. Look out for the hint hidden in this December 2025 issue of STSU Life!
Pre ODC and ODC
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
In November, STSU delegates took part in NTUC's Ordinary Delegates' Conference, joining union leaders and tripartite partners to review progress and set future priorities for the labour movement.
Key efforts highlighted included supporting workers through economic transitions, strengthening workplace safety and mental-health initiatives, and expanding tools to help workers adapt to technological change, such as the NTUC AI Career Coach and growing AI-related training options at NTUC LearningHub.
At ODC 2025, NTUC marked a key milestone in its journey to uplift platform workers with a strong mandate to recognise Platform Work Associations (PWA) as full affiliates of NTUC. The move signals that the unions strongly support NTUC's mission to uplift platform workers.
For the full Secretary General's report, visit ntuc.org.sg.
Union management bowling event
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
In October, two teams from STSU, Flight Operations and Cabin Services participated in the NTUC Aerospace and Aviation Cluster Bowling Competition. Shawn set high standards for the rest of us. It was a good afternoon of union-management cohesion. Thank you to our management partners for joining us.
Send A Report on Aviation Hazards (Tell SARAH)
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
Tell Sarah is Singapore's aviation safety voluntary reporting system. If you spot a hazard or unsafe practice that could compromise aviation safety, you can confidentially report it through Tell Sarah.
All reports are processed by an independent third party (Alton Aviation), de-identified, and kept strictly confidential. This helps CAAS derive safety trends and insights to improve aviation safety across Singapore.
Tell Sarah does not replace existing channels like Scoot's iSMS system. Important note: aviation occurrences such as accidents, serious incidents and reportable safety matters must still be submitted through mandatory reporting channels, not Tell Sarah.
To report, visit tellsarah-vrs.com or email tellsarah@altonaviation.com. Learn more at caas.gov.sg/tell-sarah.
Changi Rewards Staff Programme
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
The Changi Rewards Staff Programme (CRSP) offers expanded perks, exclusive deals, and special programmes across retail stores, dining outlets, and staff canteens at Changi Airport. Membership is free for all employees working at Changi Terminals, Changi Airfreight Centre, and Jewel Changi Airport.
How to sign up:
- Download the Changi App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Register for a Changi Rewards account at rewards.changiairport.com
- Fill out the staff registration form
Your account will be converted to a staff account within two days. Show your Changi Airport Staff Rewards e-Card when shopping and dining at the airport to enjoy discounts at participating outlets.
Note: All frontliner staff must complete their Changi Orientation Programme (COP) or Jewel Orientation Programme (JOP) before signing up.
For more information about CRSP benefits, visit changi.me/crsp. For enquiries, contact crsp.enquiry@changiairport.com.
Changes in STSU’s Council of Advisors
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
STSU is pleased to welcome NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan and Member of Parliament Jessica Tan to our Council of Advisors. They join Ms Chan Hui Yuh, who has been a guiding pillar since the union's formation.
We are honoured to have DSG Desmond and MP Jessica onboard, and we look forward to their experience, insights and leadership strengthening our work as we continue serving our members.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing advisors, Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng and Mr Marcus Loh for their service and contributions to STSU over the last few years.
First Cabin Crew retirement
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
In November, Scoot celebrated a significant milestone with the retirement of Crew-in-charge Shah after 13 years of dedicated service. This marks the first cabin crew retirement in Scoot's history.
Shah's journey with the company has been marked by professionalism and commitment. We wish Shah a happy and fulfilling retirement.
EWL disruption transport allowance
Pilots & Cabin Crew
In response to the East-West Line disruptions, STSU successfully negotiated a temporary transport allowance with the company. From 29 November to 8 December, all crew operating turnaround flights with reporting times within this period received a $22 transport reimbursement. This temporary measure ensured our members could report for duty safely and comfortably during the disruption. Thank you to the company for working with the union to support our members.
JFO/SO salary issue
Pilots
In the October 2025 payroll, some SOs did not receive their increment to FO basic salary. Members brought this to STSU's attention, and we immediately engaged the company. Company acknowledged the oversight and ran an adhoc payroll on 7 November to correct it. Thank you to HR for the swift resolution.
Roster publish date
Pilots & Cabin Crew
Following our engagement with Flight Operations and Rostering about roster publication timing, we're pleased to share that rosters will now be published on the 16th of each month (four days earlier than the previous 20th). The union thanks VPFO, Rostering, and other departments for making this happen. The earlier publication date will give all crew more time to plan their lives.
Off day swap limits
Pilots
Members have raised concerns about the current restriction limiting off-day swaps to one per month. We understand the frustration this causes when personal circumstances require additional flexibility in your roster. We have been pushing for more than one, and the restriction is not placed by us. The limitation stems from operational and rostering system constraints that the company is working to address. Flight Operations and Rostering have acknowledged our concerns and are exploring ways to increase flexibility whilst maintaining operational stability. We will keep you updated as discussions progress.
Flight Crew flying hours
Pilots
B787 flying hours remain consistently high. While A320 and E190 hours have normalised, it did not increase as quickly as anticipated.
This affects income stability and career progression. For First Officers in particular, the lower hours impact their ability to meet requirements for CSA.
STSU has raised this matter at the Roster Governance Meeting and continues to engage the company. We understand the frustration and will monitor the issue.
Stepping down due to fatigue
Pilots & Cabin Crew
STSU would like to reiterate to members that f you decide not to extend your FDP after a careful risk assessment due to fatigue, there will be no disciplinary consequences. Thank you for putting safety first.
WOCL 4 sectors
Pilots & Cabin Crew
When the October roster was published, members reported two WOCL 4-sector pairings on the A320. We raised concerns about the fatigue risks with Flight Operations and Rostering, who swiftly de-coupled the sectors. Thank you to members for reporting this, and to VPFO for the quick resolution.
Pilot Branch & Cabin Crew branch engagement
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
On 11 November, Pilot Branch held our members engagement event at Changi Recreation Club. We shared updates and welcomed new members to Scoot. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Our next session is planned for March/April 2026, where we'll discuss the upcoming Collective Agreement negotiations.
Cabin Crew Branch leaders also met with members in the IOCC before flights. These face-to-face sessions allowed members to raise concerns and provide feedback. The positive response has encouraged us to continue and expand this initiative.
Dialogue with AG Min MOT Jeffery Siow & NTUC AA Year-End Dinner
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
In November, STSU participated in a dialogue session with Acting Minister for Transport Jeffery Siow, alongside other unions in NTUC's Aerospace and Aviation Cluster. Discussion topics included Terminal 5 development, automation, and artificial intelligence in aviation.
STSU took the opportunity to raise two important concerns affecting our members: support for flight crew during pregnancy and the high cost of pilot training in Singapore. These remain priority issues as we continue engaging with government stakeholders.
The dialogue was followed by a year-end dinner where STSU and fellow cluster unions celebrated together. We also invited ALPA-S to join us for the celebration.
New Exco Observers
Pilots, Cabin Crew & Office
STSU is pleased to welcome Ramarao Rudra Krishnan and Huang Hui Fang as Exco Observers. Their presence will bring fresh perspectives to our executive committee discussions and help strengthen our union's governance. We look forward to their contributions as we continue serving our members.