Desertia,
The source comes from flight operations management from Waterside. BA asked BASSA for activation of the DA during the snow prior to Christmas as the lack of parking stands at LHR led to multiple diversions.
Then again during the initial post Christmas snow and the Snow of January 2010 (ongoing!) as the difficulties of de-icing and hold over times causes massive traffic jams at LHR with no stands thus leading to cancellations and diversions. Generally, over the past couple of weeks, personnel levels have not been the issue departing LHR it has been the delays incurred after diversion getting the aircraft in the right place.
The main reason for canceling the SH services is to provide some working space for the de-icing services (which, incidentally use the same personnel as the push back tugs leading to a shortage of both!) and parking stands for the LH aircraft thus reducing the risk/expense of diversion.
As we are experiencing the worst winter snows for 30 years one might have expected BASSA to put their petty differences aside for the protection of the customer. Guess that would be asking too much though.
The sooner we are rid of this obstinate 1970's style Union and get correct, responsible representation for the majority of our hard working Cabin Crew the better.
Perhaps Unites requirement to prop up an ailing Labour government on their run up to the election will focus Unites attention into slapping its errant child Union BASSA into touch.