The memo sent out today by the Director Of Operations wins the prize for the single most misleading piece of junk he has ever written - and he has written some junk in his time. Part of it is actually factually incorrect.
Here is his statement given in a company memo:
bmibaby has today been advised by BALPA (British Airline Pilots’ Association) that 90 of bmibaby’s 189 pilot workforce have voted in favour of strike action. This represents 47% of the total bmibaby pilot workforce.
Given that less than 50% of bmibaby’s pilots voted for a strike we welcome BALPA’s decision not to proceed with one. BALPA have requested a meeting with us to attempt to find a way through the dispute and we are reflecting on that proposal.
bmibaby’s offer of negotiations for a multi year pay deal for 2007 onwards remains on the table and we remain hopeful that any industrial action can be avoided.
Customers are advised to make no changes to their travel plans. bmibaby have contingency plans in place to deal with any operational disruption and will keep customers advised of current information via its website, www.bmibaby.com. 72% YES on a very large turnout is a great result. I have no doubt in the ability of the baby pilots to cause massive disruption and effectively stop the flying program. I only hope that the mainline and regional pilots will produce an even bigger mandate for the Association. Time to put the cards on the table I think.