Comparisons
Stallpusher,
To answer your first question. Yes there is a difference of £1.3Bn year on year. One billion is an increase in fuel costs as the oil price went to a record high of approx $150 a barrel. Yes it did dip later to around $50 but is heading back up again $70 at the moment you'll notice unleaded is now back over £1 again. As for the other £300m that is the recession people aren't paying the higher fares and the banks aren't travelling as much as they did.
As BA can't stop a recession or change the price of oil, that leaves employee costs and productivity. We're doing our bit and many parts of the company have over the last few years, so over to you. It will be less painful if you negotiate.
To you second question, the fines were in the previous financial year's figures not last year's. So the figures are worse than you choose to believe.
CB