Marlowe,the BA staff in the regions have been subjected to continuous cuts in manning levels.never enough staff rostered on duty to handle the operation,running from flight to flight,dealing with off schedule arrrivals and departures,numerous Bacon cancellations and all the ensuing problems as a result.of course we can be on stand for 20 minutes without a sign of groundstaff,but they were busy elsewhere.remember they deal with many movements and problems,not just our arrival or departure.the wchr situation is a disgrace,again as a result of rock bottom price cutting and insufficient staff to do the job.the whole passenger experience has deteriorated over the last few years and if costs continue to be addressed with such vigour by management who don't care about passengers,despite all the company hype,things will only get worse.we now work in a business which is no more than airborne bus travel,regardless of the fare paid,everyone is treated as if they are flying for next to nothing,which certainly is't the case.BA ground handling is by far,the best in the UK...when it is gone from 7June 2007,just be prepared for the shambles which will replace it.things will get much,much worse.