Unite cabin crew ballot: BA statement
BA said today that it remains absolutely determined to protect its customers’ travel plans as much as it possibly can should Unite’s threatened strike go ahead.
As a responsible employer and in view of Unite’s apparent wish for a lengthy strike, BA has written to cabin crew individually to set out the consequences of different ballot outcomes.
The letter says that if there is a vote to reject strike action, the company will continue to offer assurances that would allow cabin crew to keep:
their current individual terms and conditions
their current pay, with increment rises for most crew of between two per cent and seven per cent this financial year and next
their average variable pay (allowances) through the offer of a monthly standard payment
their options for voluntary lifestyle changes, either through changing fleets at Heathrow or transferring to part time
a commitment from the company to keep talking with Unite about how it recruits new crew .
full union representation with an offer from the company for Unite to represent future crew.
The letter adds that if a strike occurs, crew taking part would lose:
pay and associated days off for duties missed because of strike action
entitlement to staff travel benefits.
In the event of a strike and the financial loss it would cause, the airline would also have to conduct a further review of cabin crew costs and would not be able to maintain assurances over current cabin crew terms and conditions.
Bill Francis, head of cabin crew, said: “We know how much our customers do not want to see a strike at British Airways. Their patience is running out.
“I am proud of the professionalism and skills of British Airways cabin crew. But Unite is seeking to inflict huge damage on our business once again, so it is time to be absolutely clear with crew about what will happen if a strike takes place. Going on strike is a very serious matter, and I hope all Unite members will think very carefully before casting their vote.
“We owe it to our customers and all our colleagues to do everything we can to reduce the impact of any disruption that might occur.”
Unite’s ballot starts on Monday, January 25.
There will be a full version of the letter to crew available on the IFCE intranet site from Monday.
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