The Meltdown Continues......
BASSA- A STEP TOO FAR- BASSA STATEMENT Nov 9th, 2010
We have now been presented with all the paperwork pertaining to the offer made by BA to end this dispute. We still think the best way forward is to let all members of Amicus and BASSA ultimately decide whether this offer is acceptable or not. For that to happen BA required that the two unions give a “yes” recommendation. Three weeks ago, we were prepared, reluctantly, to go down that road to give you all a vote. Your collective voice will always be louder than that of your committee.
While we would still like to see this offer put to ballot, BASSA are now not prepared to give a “yes” recommendation. We have since seen Apendix II which we were given over the weekend which contain further conditions that make this now a “step too far” in our opinion.
There are some good parts within BA’s offer, in particular their acceptance of binding independent ACAS arbitration, but there are many other clauses which we simply, as a trade union, can not recommend. While all those disciplined on dispute related incidences are at the forefront of our concerns, especially those who have been dismissed, we simply can not be held to ransom. Unite and Tony Woodley have always positioned the fate of the disciplined members as to be their number 1 priority. We respect and thank them for that and hope they understand, in turn, what we mean by a “step too far.”
We still plan to go ahead with the agreed ballot as it is important all crew, who are members of Unite, should still have their say through the democratic process.