That's right there were 400 temps recruited for the summer (there are 10,000 permanent cabin crew employed at LHR). At the end of their temp contract they were given the option of commencing a LGW Single Fleet contract under the LGW SF terms and conditions.
LHR_777 no dates have yet to be announced. I guess shortest possible notice = maximum disruption. However, the ballot will close on Jan 12th. The results will be announced at a union meeting on the 15th. By law, BASSA then needs to give 7 days notice to BA and any action must be undertaken within four weeks.
Just one point to make: THIS INDUSTRIAL ACTION
IS NOT ABOUT CHANGES TO OUR AGREEMENTS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS. NONE HAVE BEEN IMPOSED (with the exception of changes to the attendance management process).
HOWEVER, relations between BA and
BOTH cabin crew unions is at an all time low. We are basically being balloted on a 'breakdown in industrial relations'. This
IS a crucial vote. Both BA and BASSA are awaiting the result of the ballot with great anxiety. if there is a low turnout for a YES vote, then that will be the end of BASSA's strength and
BA WILL BEGIN IMPOSING CHANGES TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS. The main purpose of this ballot is to show BA management that we ARE united and that we will NOT accept the sort of 'bully boy' tactics being employed by some of our management (particularly one ex QF manager recently recruited).
The true cost of any industrial action to BA is incalculatable. BA cannot afford another
PR disaster.
Although Willie Walsh as CEO has significant sway at BA he still needs to answer to the BA board of Directors. He will need to tread, therefore, very very carefully. Do you meet halfway with the unions? Or do you risk turning the perception of BA into another Alitalia or Olympic? There is still alot BA can do to win the siutation. The union has thrown as many issues into the pot as possible so that it will gauge maximum YES votes from crew. At least 1 or the 12 issues will effect every individual crew member. Whispers have started that management will start doing deals on certain issues, fragmenting support. There will be swayers that will throw in the towel for their own gains.