Originally Posted by
moku
Ok Sorry.
Southampton closed at the end of the summer schedule. The aircraft based there was moved to EDI and either MAN or BHX. Routes still operated but only EDI and MAN.
EDI. GLA etc.... Yes BA have been having meetings. Did not reveal all in the meetings, but basically using the BACON deal as an excuse to pull out of handling in the regions and put it out for tender.
Ba have been very good about not giving too much away at the moment. Do not want to pi$$ of the staff and cause a strike!! The feeling in from EDI ground staff is that BA will retain a few customer service staff but the rest will be contracted out. (Just like the ground handling in MAN)
As for BA in MAN. After March there will still be the LHR & LGW Shuttle flights and the GB flights.
If you are already working for the handling agent in MAN, then this should not affect you. It will only be BA employed staff (check-in, gate staff etc)...... well, and those that do ground handling for BACON.
Hope that helps answer you questions.
P.S. none of this is FACT as yet, just speculation
Where did you get your info from?
As far as the 'entire' EDI ground staff community are aware, its 'lights out' for us all. Although not officially advised by BA, what we do know is not good...
IE we in the regions EDI GLA ABZ and MAN are NOT cost effective, we are NOT competative in the handling business and we are NOT part of WW big plan. All Regional ground handling has been put out to tender - that has been confirmed. Loganair will also go to a handling agent in Scotland, as BA really have no time for them and the cost implications of handling them are astronomical. Allegedly they get a complete turnaround for around £18.00! T5 will be the centre piece of BA operations, with the regions, Europe and Longhaul stations being handled by Agents. Minimal cost, no pensions, no staff travel and no accommodation/equipement problems at each airport. That with the fact that EZY are milking BA dry on LGW especially, then to be honest it isnt looking good. We will be advised on Christmas Eve by Beverley 'Chopper' Bennett - the BA staff member in charge of The UK Regions, LGW and International... Had her at a forum this week in Scotland. Didnt tell us anything we didnt know already. Said all but we are out.
Hope this clears up some doubts about staff being retained. I will be very happy and surprised if I am in employment with BA in the regions on April 01 2007.
PS - Your point regarding a strike may not be too far off the mark... Iam not suggesting that there will, should or indeed be one but the talk on the ground is one of bitterness, anger and complete dismay. The regions have put up with quite a lot of 'you know what' over the last 18 months with understaffing, lack of serviceable equipement and complete lack of managerial leadership. This is the 'Final approach' of a long and turbulent flight.