BA at LGW (it's current and previous incarnations), has seen it's fair share of proffessions mentioned previously. It may seem incredulous to some on here that highly trained/skilled people chose to be cabin crew (even at LGW!). But after being lucky enough to meet many of these individuals the main reason is not money, but a change of lifestyle, and being in a job they can "enjoy" rather than be a slave to money.
Incidentally I have also met pilots both in a out of BA that also would like to hang up their wings as they dislike the job, but the money funds a lifestyle that they do not wish (or are unable) to give up.
So the door swings both ways.
On the subject of the ongoing dispute...
It is a shame (for everyone in long run) that posters seem to be focusing on BASSA and what they are doing, and not WHY they are doing it.
BASSA love or hate their tactics, are a trade union. They do what they say on the tin, fight for their members rights, and to keep (and hopefully improve) their T&Cs. BALPA have untimalely the same remit, as do all trade unions.
Taking an overall view they have done a pretty good job of looking after their members T&Cs. There have been various efforts from previous quarters to change them. They have reacted and these efforts (rightly or wrongly depending on who you are) and they have been repelled using their usual tactics that hark back largely to pre-Thatcher times. Up until now.
Trade unionism has to change with the times, or it will die by the sword of big business and a term of Govt. by the Tories (although that's less likely to happen for a while).
BALPA is not a bad example of what a modern trade union could look like or behave. It does however represent a different demographical group of people than the majority of people UNITE represents. BALPA does seem to have some sort of issue with the TUC which is an essential part of unionism, which does mistify me. Perhaps someone could clear that up?
The gradual erosion of the strength of trade unions and their rights, influence, and power ultimately will only affect one group of people....anyone who isn't at the top of the corporate tree. So pretty much most of us.
BA certainly are playing hard ball, and for once have done their homework (god knows they've had enough time!). It's shame they can't do the same for every other aspect of their operation, but they have to start somewhere.
BASSA is not just BASSA this time. It's also UNITE, and AMICUS that represent crew at BA (formerly CC89). Whilst it is totally obvious to all that the usual propaganda is coming from one area, I think you'll find things are different behind the scenes.
BASSA has made mistakes and has realised the old approach is not going to work (maybe too late but we all are where we are now). The more free thinking reasonable crew were never in BASSA and are in Amicus (and it reflected in their representatives). With the two sides working together we are seeing what results dialogue can bring, with the help of UNITE officials.
One day this will all be over, and it will be resolved by negotiation with the trade unions input, if a strike happens or not (the level of influence will also depend on this).
People seem to be quick to damn UNITE (BASSA/AMICUS) for wanting to explore negotiation to it's nth degree before announcing strike dates. "They're scared", "They're weak", "BA are winning" is what seems to be the vouge, and people are reveling in it.
Would it not be better for everyone at BA and trade unionism for all of us that a militant "old style" trade union may actually be slowly changing (forced or otherwise) and coming around to a better way of doing business with BA. I know it may be a bridge too far. But surely the alternative that most seem to favour is not one we should wish for.
Total destruction of BASSA/AMICUS/UNITE in BA is good for no one. It just leaves a instruction book for other companies to follow. Workers in every sector should be hoping for an amicable solution worked out through negotiation BEFORE a stirke happens. ANY OTHER RESULT is disaster for EVERYONE, as next time it will be your sector or proffesion looking down a high court injuction.
Workers helping this demise are also not helping anyone, least of all themselves or their sector. But of course it's not that simple is it.
Just another side I hope those reading this (no matter who you are), consider.
Lets hope this all gets resolved quickly through negotiation, before a stirke happens or even is announced, is the bottom line. It's the best outcome for everyone, and something I've not heard many on here wishing for.
Which IMHO....is a shame.
WLITS - BA Cabin Crew and proud to be a trade unionist.