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Q and A document BMED integration
Jobs and redundancy
How soon will I know if I have a job in the integrated airline?
This will vary by function. As Nigel announced we will be entering into a
collective consultation process as soon as possible during which we will identify
who will be remaining with the business.
What happens next?
Following the announcement today we will be establishing the necessary
structures to enable formal consultation to commence as quickly as possible.
Who will you consult with?
We are obliged to consult with elected staff representatives to deal with all
aspects of potential redundancies for those staff not represented by a
recognised union. As BMED already has a Company Council in place, we
anticipate that this will be the staff representative body for the purpose of the
consultation process.
The consultation process is expected to begin shortly and will last for a
minimum of 30 days and will include individual consultation with each affected
employee.
For cabin crew and pilot integration issues, we will be consulting in due course
with Amicus, CC89 and BALPA, the recognised unions for both BMED and bmi.
What is redundancy consultation?
Formal redundancy consultation is an agreed legal process whereby an
employer liaises with representatives of the potentially redundant employees
over a designated time period in formal structured meetings. One of the key
objectives is to minimise the redundancies wherever possible. The process will
also establish exactly which roles are redundant and what assistance will be
available to affected staff, and what redundancy entitlements will be.
Why cant you tell us our entitlements now?
It is not our intention to avoid answering your questions. However, specific
details regarding how the redundancies should be dealt with must be handled
through the consultation process. This is a legal requirement which we must
comply with.
When do you plan to start the consultation?
As soon as we can get the staff representatives together for a first meeting.
Who will participate?
The relevant bmi and BMED directors together with the bmi HR manager and
the staff representatives.
What information will we be given about the consultation?
Following each consultation meeting information will be given about what has
been discussed and agreed.
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Who can I ask if I have further questions?
Either your line manager or Sue Aslett, or Angela Walsh in bmis HR
department (
[email protected]).
If I retain my job will my terms and conditions remain the same?
There will be no immediate changes. As a principle, we would like all of our
colleagues to have the same terms and conditions at some point in the future.
We will consult with you fully when that arises.
Will I have continuity of length of service benefits etc?
Yes.
What about my pension?
No immediate change is planned. As and when individuals transfer to bmi we
will look to consolidate the BMED schemes with the various bmi schemes.
Can I be forced to move to Castle Donington?
You cannot be forced to move to Castle Donington but if your role transfers
the only alternative may be redundancy.
What redundancy pay do I get if I refuse a move to Castle Donington?
Policies on redundancy pay will be determined as part of the consultation
process.
What redundancy pay do I get if my job disappears?
Policies on redundancy pay will be determined as part of the consultation
process.
Who will deal with redundancy procedures BMED or bmi ?
A combination of bmi and BMED.
Is this a TUPE exercise?
TUPE stands for Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Act. It is
designed to protect the terms and conditions of people being transferred from
one company to another.
In this case BMED colleagues are still employed by BMED on the same
conditions and therefore TUPE does not apply.
How do I apply for jobs within bmi?
This will be communicated as part of the broader consultation process.
If I get a job in bmi will I get a relocation allowance?
Yes, the policy for relocation will be determined as part of the broader
consultation process.
When will Hetherington House close down completely?
As soon as all processes and roles at Hetherington House are absorbed at other
bmi locations. We do not expect this to be before 28 October 2007.
What is going to happen to Hetherington House after we leave?
We will seek to transfer the lease or sublet it to a third party.
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Product
What happens to the Airbus A321 aircraft and relevant associated equipment
orders?
We have no plans to cancel or postpone any aircraft orders or options.
We have heard a lot about investment will our older aircraft be refurbished?
Any aircraft refurbishment will be in line with plans to consolidate the bmi mid
haul product.
When will the aircraft start to be painted?
We would ideally like to have all BMED aircraft flying in the bmi colours from
the commencement of the Winter timetable on 28 October. To achieve this
we need to establish the acceptability by BA of operating their franchise
services in the colours of bmi. If acceptable we anticipate starting a repainting
programme in June.
If it is not acceptable to fly in bmi colours then we will investigate the potential
for an interim neutral scheme.
What about the aircraft interiors will they change?
The interiors will be modified in line with plans to consolidate the mid haul
product.
BMED and bmi aircraft have different sized cabins for business and economy -
will BMED aircraft be reconfigured?
In redefining the mid-haul product the preferred sizing of business and
economy will be determined.
What will happen to the in-flight product will it be the same as BMED?
We propose to launch a new mid-haul product that takes the best qualities of
bmi and BMED.
Will we start to charge passengers for things that have been free in the past?
We propose to launch a new mid haul product that takes the best qualities of
bmi and BMED. This will be determined as part of this process.
Will the same number of cabin staff operate on flights when they become bmi
services?
We propose to launch a new mid haul product that takes the best qualities of
bmi and BMED. This will be determined as part of this process.
When will I get my new bmi uniform?
You will receive your uniform in good time for the commencement of services
as bmi from 28 October.
When do I have to wear it from?
28 October.
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Will the bmi uniform policy be amended to take account of the new
destinations?
We aim to ensure that our uniform dress standards take into account all local
customs and traditions. At this stage there is no plan to amend the current
policy.
Network and routes
When will you start to advertise BMED destinations as bmi destinations?
As soon as possible, although this is subject to agreement with BA on a suitable
codeshare arrangement.
Has bmi got enough check in desks to handle the traffic at T1?
Yes.
When will bmi announce new mid haul routes?
We announce new routes and destinations in line with the on sale dates in
order to give our competitors a minimal amount of time to adjust to our
presence.
Will BMED slot times change?
One of the aims of the integration programme is to maximise the potential of
the slot times at Heathrow. BMED slot times will be part of this effort.
Terms and conditions of employment, lifestyle issues
What about staff parking for crews etc near to T1?
Parking arrangements for T1 will be as per existing arrangements for bmi crew.
Who pays me and from what date?
As from 1 April 2007 you will be transferred to the bmi group payroll. This will
have no impact on your terms and conditions of employment.
Will mid haul crews have to operate to short haul destinations?
We anticipate the harmonisation of standard operating procedures to
commence in Spring/Summer 2007. We will be looking to tailor the current
lifestyle preference schemes to best meet the needs of the combined
community. This will be done in consultation with BALPA and CC89 for
introduction as crew integration proceeds. There will be a gradual integration of
the two flying communities which will run well into 2008.
What if I live a long way from base because I only come to work about five or
six times a month?
See answer above.
Does bmi recognise all of the trade unions in BMED?
Yes. In addition, there are a number of other trade unions that bmi recognises.
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How will flight deck seniority be handled?
We plan to commence discussion with BALPA this month on seniority. We
hope to have these discussions concluded by the end of July.
How do we book staff travel after 28 October?
This will be communicated as part of the integration programme.
What happens to our preferential travel concessions with BA?
These will continue to operate until 27 October after which they will no longer
be in place.
What about travel on bmi does our BMED length of service count?
Yes
Since we are now part of bmi, when can we access bmi travel concessions?
This will be communicated as part of the integration programme.
Do bmi staff get travel concessions on other Star Alliance carriers?
Yes, but this varies by individual Star Alliance member.
Other
Will BMED continue as a separate company?
This will be the subject of further review during the integration programme.
What will happen to BMED directors?
This will be determined as part of the consultation process.
Will future communications come from BMED or bmi?
Future communications on the integration programme will be agreed by the
Steering Group comprising David Richardson, Nigel Turner and Tim Bye and
will go to all staff from both companies. Specific BMED communication will
continue to come from David Richardson.
How will I know what is happening with the integration process?
We will put in place regular update communications to inform all staff in both
bmi and BMED about the progress of the integration. Further details will be
communicated to you regarding this shortly.
Operational
Why do we need one AOC?
Our aim is to operate as one airline with a common set of Standard Operating
Procedures. This will provide us with a number of benefits including integration
of crews and engineering and also avoid unnecessary duplication.
What could prevent us from having one AOC?
There are a number of approvals that are required which could in theory
prevent us from moving to a single AOC. These primarily rest with the DfT and
the CAA.
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When will we know whether it is one or two AOCs?
As the integration programme progresses we will have constant dialogue with
the regulatory authorities to establish the likely timeline to operate under one
AOC.
What would be the effect of two AOCs?
The new bmi would not be able to benefit from the full range of synergies in
taking the business forward.
What happens if the designation that overseas countries have given to BMED is
not assigned to bmi?
We will be working closely with the DfT to ensure that this does not occur.
When will crew report switch to the Queens Building?
The exact timing will be defined as part of the integration programme and is
planned to coincide with the transfer of services from T4 to T1.
Is there enough room for all the crews at the Queens Building?
Yes.
What happens with the redevelopment of T1?
The BAA has already produced detailed plans for facilities for bmi and other
Star Alliance carriers in a new Heathrow East Terminal. This terminal will place
bmi at the centre of this development with facilities that will match those
enjoyed by BA at the new T5.