message from the Branch Secretary

Please read this very carefully and trust what I say.

Today the 9 people Branch Committee had to take a very tough decision. BA
had tabled their final offer and asked that the strike be called off. This
offer, they said, would be withdrawn forever if the committee turned it
down. 9 people then had to decide if this was a bluff. It was not an easy
call to say the least. A majority decided to accept the offer. Democracy
therefore decided that the strike would be called off. The majority that
decided to accept the vote did it with integrity. They did it because they
genuinely believed it was in the best interests of you the membership. Their
decision should be respected without reproach. They have fought hard for you
and have achieved what they think is the very best. I cannot now accept or
tolerate the abuse that is being handed out towards them on the forum, and
in particular Mike Conroy, the Chairman. I have worked with Mike for 10
years now and he has fought with all his might to protect you the
membership. His position has put him in the forefront and he is now being
villified publicly for having the courage of his convictions. You might not
agree but you simply must not abuse him or his family. Mike is a very decent
honest man who simply is doing what he thinks is right. How do you think his
wife and daughters are feeling reading such abuse? Please now is the time
for calm. Everyone take a deep breath.
Whatever you think of what has been accepted let me tell you that BA have
learned a lesson and I do not say that in a gloating manner. I truly believe
Willie Walsh now realises that he presides over a massive industrial
relations problem and I also believe he will address that situation. You
have spoken and they have listened. A deal was done. Some think the deal is
acceptable, others thought it could be bettered but that is now history. The
cold facts say however that BA were dragged to the negotiation table and
important concessions were given.

It is more important than ever that we unite behind what has happened and
congratulate ourselves on achieving the most marvellous ballot result in
history. Have no doubt BA will have taken heed, they are not that stupid,
they know things will have to change if they are ever to again win the
respect of their cabin crew. Whichever way you look at the "deal" that has
emerged you really should all be very proud. Let's all now pull together in
one direction, tomorrow is another day and BASSA needs you the membership to
be behind it and not fragmenting amongst a torrent of personal abuse. We
have enough enemies out there without fighting each other.

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to you all.

Regards
Duncan Holley