From the earlier link, Litebulbs:
"SOSR did not have to be a reason that the tribunal considered to be sound, merely one that the employer considered (on reasonable grounds) to be sound...All the employer had to do, when establishing SOSR for dismissal, was provide evidence supporting a genuinely held belief that it had a substantial reason which was not ‘whimsical or capricious’."
It may be pushing reasonableness, but I would be hesitant to dismiss the possibility that BA would use SOSR both for reduction in numbers due to planes parked, and reduction in complements on flights as well. It would seem from the legislation and case law in place, that they can do as they please if the industry is in dire straits, the company is losing cash, and the competition use minimum crew complements as well.
On that assumption, the minimum legal crew complement requirements for the airline as a whole (excluding parked aircraft) are shockingly low compared to the present manpower, and BASSA seem to have left the company in the position that it is now free to do as it pleases "for its own survival".
The least they could then do is start a fair rostering system, which would in essence reduce "sickness" markedly, as more get what they want, when they want it.
Last edited by T5 Mole; 8th Sep 2009 at 20:47.