In response the recent communication that some of you may have receieved from Captain **** ****** urging you to VOTE NO to BALPA in EMA, we thought we would clear up a few points of error and make some observations.
Cpt * Wrote - “If the CAC determine that 10 per cent of the workers are union members they can impose statutory recognition: in effect, that means as few as 10 pilots could decide whether or not the BALPA application is successful”
This is factually incorrect and totally misleading, to proceed to an anonymous recognition ballot, then at least 10% of the bargaining unit (to be defined) would need to be union members .
If it is shown that 10% are union members then all that guarantees is that it would proceed to an anonymous ballot, in which 50% +1 of the base would need to Vote in favour of recognition and over 40% of the bargaining unit would need to vote.
If less than 40% of the bargaining unit cast a ballot then there is NO recognition. (i.e if only 39% voted and all in favour - it wouldn't happen) if over 40% cast a ballot then of those at least 50% +1 will need to vote in favour. To vote NO or abstain at this point is to vote against recognition.
Recognition cannot be imposed with only 10% membership in the bargaining unit and to suggest so is false and misleading. 10% only secures the opportunity for a democratic and anonymous vote to happen in which only the majority verdict will stand..
Do you believe in Democracy?
Captain * is assuming that the bargaining unit will be EMA pilots and EMT pilots, this may happen and is certainly what Ryanair would choose, though it is still to be negotiated at the CAC for reasons as undiscussed here. It will be the CAC who will decide wether EMA and EMT are one or separate.
Cpt * Said - “The only counter the company has to this is to reduce the workforce to 21 or fewer, effectively moving 5 aircraft, and the jobs of 100 + staff, abroad. By taking that action, the company could then apply to the CAC for de-recognition. All of this is prescribed in the Employment Law.”
Again Captain * should look a little bit wider at the law, and be careful with what he puts in writing for his own protection. It is illegal to threaten people with redundancy for trying to pursue union recognition. Ryanair will argue the case is merely a business decision, but with statements like that it can be challenged.
Cpt * Said - ”In addition, the company has already stated that if recognition is imposed we will lose our 5/4 roster, reverting to 5/ 2, and lose our allowance payment. As I indicated above, UK regional bases will close or shrink and the jobs moved to Europe. We have already seen the imposition of a UK base freeze and the ending of Command Upgrades for UK based F/Os.”
As previous point, but again of note, These punative measures are management imposed, Ryanair pilots want to work for you not against. In the contract you hold, it states clearly that if “union recognition is imposed your roster will revert to 5/3 with 5/2 six times a year”. Besides the fact that the current agreement was imposed on you, without, we are told, any formal ERC in EMA. If we get to this stage and 5/2 is imposed it will be a contract breach and will be challenged. Many believe you will be on 5/3 next spring anyway as per your Italian bases.
Cpt * Said ”This presents you, the pilot with a choice: do you wish to have BALPA pursue their application for recognition at EMA, or do you want them to stop now ? “
and;
"Everyone of us has the right to join a trade union, be it BALPA,
A handful of BALPA members could therefore force their opinions and beliefs on the majority of us: that is not, I submit, democratic”.
Whilst we fully agree with the first part of Cpt * statement, that everyone has the right to join a union. We also believe EVERYONE has the right to have their own say. The latter statement about a few deciding the opinions is completely false and misleading. If you are against recognition, thats your choice, but know this this as FACT you will only have it imposed on you against your will if over 50% + 1 of your colleagues vote in favour of it, and not by any other means. We would encourage you to all to check yourself rather than believing the rhetoric and mis-truth being imposed on you.
Again do you believe in Democracy?
Cpt * wrote ”It is my opinion, which may run counter to yours, that this BALPA campaign is ill-timed and lacking a cohesive structure: I cannot get an answer to the simple question " What are the precise benefits recognition will bring?"
We honour and respect your opinion Captain *, if it is merely your opinion that is making you so pro-active. Your questions are valid, and do not forget that many are at very different stages of their careers to you. BALPA is not some transient third party fairy godmother that decides your fate, it is fellow pilots who will work tirelessly for the long term career objectives of the majority. Remember their is no place for BALPA if the majority 50% +1 don't vote in favour. We want you to have your say at a democratic ballot in which all will have their opportunity.
Once you have checked yourself, that Union recognition can not be imposed with only 10% of the base, (10% only guarantees an anonymous vote of which 50%+ 1 is needed), then we suggest you wait and listen to both sides of the argument or at least allow others to do so and then democratically vote or abstain as you see fit.
Your questions are valid and will be answered, in due course. BALPA will soon have legal access to pilots in all bases, which they don't do today enabling a balance of communication channels and a lot more open debate.
It is worthy of note, that Cpt * is the man most actively encouraging people to effectively Vote 'Yes' for Ryanair management. We are under the impression from numerous sources that the very same individual just 3 months ago was the loudest and most active Anti management voice in the base when the last deal was imposed on you.
Cpt * wrote ”My opinion is based on solid opinion of BALPA and not rhetoric.”
When you the recipients, who received the email check the facts yourself and not merely the opinion that underpinned the email, One opinion that has been expressed, and maybe worthy to note is that the Base TRE job is available.
Was the false insinuation of imposed recognition a genuine mistake, or are there other motivations for taking such an action to try and deny you a democratic vote. Many will act out of pure self interest thats not to say that Captain * has. But always weigh motivations.
“I propose that we undertake a ballot, conducted by email to verify your identity to me and a single auditor - and hence your right to vote - to decide whether we, as a bargaining unit at EMA, want BALPA to represent us.”
Firstly what right does Captain * think he has to organise a counter, un-democratic and clearly non anonymous vote, in fact knowing Ryanair , we believe it is inconceivable that this counter vote would have been done without some official sign off or approval.
Is their a nice little cut in it, will he end up the base TRE, Do you believe in democracy?
Despite todays text messages of which we have received copies alluding to the fact that 90% are not in favour, in a vote NO to BALPA counter vote, We will sleep very comfortably.
Without giving to much away, that statement will shortly be proved to be false There is a considerably large number of people in EMA base to guarantee you will get to have a fair and democratic vote.
As Cpt * has asked you to email a preference, to him, which is indentifying you (a mere pilot with no mandate and not an ERC official) , we naturally understand many may feel feel threatened or intimidated.
If you are sure you want to Vote YES to Ryanair management, (sector pay cut in the coming months, further cuts likely next spring with a likely 5/3 for summer months as per Italy) or are absolutely sure you know all the facts and are definitely opposed to BALPA, then please go ahead and sign Cpt * misleading petition, your democratic choice is yours alone.
Even though this process is designed to prevent you from having a democratic vote or from the will of the majority being accepted, whichever way that may end.
If you want to weigh up FACTS, and are willing to listen to both sides, (BALPA will be in your base soon) you will have the chance to vote whichever way you see fit when the time comes.
For recognition 50% +1 must vote YES, that is the only way BALPA will be recognised in Ryanair, it is the way of democracy and I think all are happy to defer to the majority if a fair vote is held.
You are being asked to stifle debate and to prevent your colleagues from having a democratic choice, from hearing all sides of the opinion, and are being pressured into making a very early choice based on mistruths and for who knows what motivations. Besides the fact it will not work, as we know the true base level of support in all bases as of today with petition, membership and people on the ground. Is it not conceivable to you that Ryanair, don't want you to here all sides before you make reasoned choice at the ballot box.
We will never force ourselves on anyone, it is an untrue perception. We are facilitating members wishes and will always do so. It is they, your collegaues who are driving this. You will have your say.
So we put forward these options to you all in EMA.
First check the FACTS.
Then;
If you are sure you don’t Want BALPA, and are happy you know both sides of the argument and prefer to stick with Ryanair Management – Vote NO for BALPA
If you are Unsure yet and wish to weigh it up facts first or
You DO want BALPA – We suggest you do not reply to Cpt * Email.
In the counter vote being arranged by Cpt * It will be impossible for you to VOTE in favour of BALPA and we do not suggest it. even abstention carrys risk. We all saw what happened in STN just days ago.
If you feel pressured to reply for fear of consequence, and you DO want BALPA or you want to weigh up facts first and hear our side when we enter the bases, then we suggest for your protection you vote NO to BALPA.
And at the very same time, do what some of your base colleagues are already doing.
Reply to Captin * and Say that you Vote - No to BALPA, but before you do that (preferably), or on the same day at the least
Email:
[email protected] (07831577016)
Saying that you felt compelled or pressured and would actually prefer to VOTE YES or wait until a free and fair vote.
We can then use this proof that you felt pressured and Your Vote NO to BALPA from Cpt * email can then be removed by the CAC.
We want to ensure you all get the chance of a free vote and let the majority decide, make sure you pass this message on to your colleagues