Guys think of me what you will but since I don't think you all have access to BASSA atleast read this please..
OPEN LETTER FROM THE BASSA BRANCH SECRETARY 08 December 2006
A message from the Branch Secretary – Ideologies clashing.
Having being involved with BASSA either as a rep or Branch Secretary for 15 years now I have seen at close hand how BA Industrial Relations behave. I have been involved in a few strikes and have lived to tell the tale but even I was amazed yesterday at the attitude of David LeBrecht who is the head of BA Industrial Relations.
At a meeting called to try and resolve our problems his barely concealed aggression, his outrageous statements, his dismissive manner and basically everything about him had the exact opposite effect in producing the better relationship that BA claim they want. If ever there was a case of throwing fuel onto an open fire it was Mr LeBrecht’s performance yesterday. 24 hours later the reps that were present are still shaking their heads in amazement and, to be frank, anger. To re-introduce the topic of hourly flying pay beggars belief. He would have done less harm had he thrown a live grenade into the air.
I went into that meeting hoping that we would see a shift in BA IR policy and maybe, with it, an improvement in our relationship. Well we did see a shift, a big one but it was in the wrong direction, and then some.
Being a curious man I always try and “comprehend” where the other side are coming from or, at least to try and view things from their perspective, but what I saw yesterday chilled me to the bone. BA are now completely driven by cutting costs to such an extent that they are becoming blinkered. Mr LeBrecht frequently mentioned BA’s desire to be competitive which is why he feels justified in attacking your terms and conditions and why he stated that your terms and conditions would get worse. Now I understand the desire to be competitive (and here is where BASSA and BA ideologies clash) but not to the extent where the employees suffer because of it. There are lots of ways of being competitive in the market place and keeping the workforce happy but sadly BA management are not interested in the latter. BA must be competitive at all costs is the BA mantra and look out if you do not choose to go along with them. It is this mad compulsive philosophy that must change if BASSA and BA are to ever work together again. Under David LeBrecht it is evident BA are determined to drive a coach and horses through everything we hold dear. This brings me to one of the fundamental reasons as to why we are asking you to take industrial action. It is not only because of all the “failures to agree” which we have outlined in the forthcoming newsletter but equally importantly it is to make BA see sense and to moderate this obsession that to be more competitive at all costs is the only way. I am not a businessman but I would have thought one of the best ways to be more competitive was to keep your workforce happy. BA need to understand this.
Finally as I said at the beginning I have experienced quite a few disputes with BA over the years but I can never remember such overwhelming support before. My computer has, since the orange flyer was sent, received nearly 1000 e mails from members offering support and checking to see if their details are correct. Literally hundreds of new members have joined BASSA in the last week. This is really heart warming and I can vouch that the reps have been much bolstered and heartened by your support. These are not pleasant times. From the amazing remarks made yesterday it is clear BA do not have a clue about how you feel. Come the close of the ballot I have a feeling there might be a rude awakening!
Thank you – Duncan Holley.