when they canx both SH and LH flights, the knockon, effects then more Sh flights as crew and aircraft are at the wrong places. the knockon is felt the same day on more and more SH flights. whereas the knockon effect on LH is not felt till the next day. And then we have more pax waiting to use SH services. BA do not canx more SH to protect LH. They cannot use SH crew or aircraft for LH services.
The whole of BA staff, at LHR at least, have received emails asking for volunteers.They cannot get airside passes for non-airside staff. My sister, (non-airside), has volunteered, and spent time answering phones from pax, helping to rebook. unpaid. Some staff may be extra, but on overtime, if that is already their normal workplace, but they are on days off. Some staff may be diverted to help in T5 from their normal workplace, eg waterside, but in their normal working hours. And also some will be volunteering for nothing in their own time. so although they may have 400 extra, they will not all be strictly volunteers or doing it for nothing. But some certainly are and well done to them.
Re skynews's "secret camera", it's amazing how the camera is always facing the correct direction!!.. And then at some point the suitcase stops, looks down, and films other luggage passing by underneath, amazing!!!
